Nigerian regulators yet to act months after evidence of unsafe acid levels in Mirinda, Lucozade

Two months after the Consumer Protection Council reported alarming levels of benzoic acid in Mirinda and Lucozade drinks, Nigerian government regulators responsible for taking action have kept mum and have done nothing about it.

The CPC had in April revealed that the benzoic levels in the two drinks were above the regulatory standard of 250mg/k.

It called for the review of the acid content in both drinks after investigating safety concerns raised by consumers on Fanta, Sprite and selected soft drinks in the country.

But months after that warning, neither the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, nor the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, both responsible for ensuring health standards are maintained, have acted.

The SON could not confirm it had taken action to protect the public.

A spokesperson, Bola Fashina, merely told PREMIUM TIMES the issue of benzoic acid was a “standard issue”.

“The standard in Nigeria is usually reviewed every five years and there must be a reason for any standard to be changed and even the CPC takes part in this review,” said Mr. Fashina, who is the Special Assistant to the organisation’s Director General.

He also said “NAFDAC, SON, CPC and manufacturers of these products are all part of the standard review” and that “In the case of soft drinks, the minimum requirement for Nigeria is set out and it is for all soft drinks”

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