Health
How to identify Coca-Cola products with ‘artificial sweetener’ – FCCPC
How to identify Coca-Cola products with ‘artificial sweetener’ – FCCPC
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has revealed findings from a recent investigation into Coca-Cola Nigeria and Nigerian Bottling Company, accusing the companies of engaging in misleading branding and anti-competitive practices.
In a comprehensive report, the FCCPC highlighted that many consumers are unaware of significant differences between certain Coca-Cola products. Specifically, the report pointed out that products labeled as “Original Taste” contain full sugar, while those with less sugar use artificial sweeteners.
“There is a distinct difference between these products, but Coca-Cola doesn’t want you to know,” the FCCPC stated.
According to the Mr Tunji Bello-led FCCPC, the branding issue affects four products produced by the companies with respect to two flavours, which include Coke Original and Coke Less Sugar as well as Limca Lime-Lemon flavour (2kcal) and Limca Lime-Lemon flavour (53kcal).
“Regarding the Coke variants—Original and Less Sugar—the nutritional information for both products varies significantly, and they have separate NAFDAC registration numbers,” the report noted. “However, Coca-Cola Nigeria, in its submission to the Commission, identifies them as different variations of the Cola flavor. Yet, there is minimal distinction in the packaging and advertisement of these products.”
The report elaborated on the subtle differences, noting that phrases like “ORIGINAL TASTE- LESS SUGAR” and “ZERO SUGAR” are printed in small text on the product labels, making it difficult for consumers to differentiate between the variants.
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Parts of the report
The FCCPC’s scrutiny began in June 2019 when the Commission became aware of Coca-Cola Nigeria’s shift from using regular sugar to non-nutritive sweeteners in some of its products.
On July 29, 2024, the Commission issued its Final Order to Coca-Cola and NBC, outlining several findings, including allegations of misleading trade descriptions under Section 116 of the FCCPA and unfair marketing tactics contrary to Section 124(1)(a).
The Commission, however, reserved the question of Abuse of Dominance and quantum of the penalty appropriate under the FCCPA and Administrative Penalties Regulation 2020 (APR) for further regulatory action, saying same will be imposed in due course.
Meanwhile, Coca-Cola Nigeria and its bottling partner, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited, have denied allegations from the FCCPC that their product labels are misleading.
In a statement released on August 1, 2024, the company clarified that its product labels provide clear and accessible nutrition information, fully complying with national regulations. It emphasised its commitment to transparency and consumer protection.
“Our priority is safeguarding consumer interests,” the statement said. “We are committed to working constructively with the government to address this issue. We are confident that we adhere to all regulations and look forward to resolving this matter.”
How to identify Coca-Cola products with ‘artificial sweetener’ – FCCPC
Health
NAFDAC destroys N120bn ‘merchants of death’ fake products
NAFDAC destroys N120bn ‘merchants of death’ fake products
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) announced that it destroyed over ₦120bn worth of seized products between July and December 2024 across the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory.
NAFDAC also reassured Nigerians that measures are in place to safeguard their health before, during, and after the yuletide season.
This was disclosed in the Christmas message from NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, as contained in a statement signed by the agency’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, on Sunday.
Adeyeye emphasised the importance of eating safely during the Yuletide period and advised Nigerians to purchase food and drinks from outlets with identifiable addresses to facilitate the agency’s tracking processes.
She warned against eating pharmaceuticals and packaged food products that do not have NAFDAC registration numbers, noting that exceptionally low-cost products are likely to be contaminated.
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She also revealed that the agency’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate is continuing to remove substandard and fraudulent pharmaceuticals, as well as unwholesome food items, from marketplaces around the country.
“Officers from the Investigation and Enforcement, Pharmacovigilance, and Post-Marketing Surveillance Directorates are in the field confiscating falsified medicines, fake wines and drinks, and unwholesome food products that could jeopardise public health during the festive season,” she said.
In December 2024, the agency destroyed expired and unregistered drugs worth ₦11bn in Ibadan and seized counterfeit alcoholic beverages and medicines worth billions of naira in Lagos.
In Nasarawa State, the agency uncovered a factory packaging counterfeit rice and confiscated over 1,600 bags worth ₦5bn.
Adeyeye emphasised NAFDAC’s commitment to ensuring that the Nigerian market only contains safe, high-quality food and medicines.
She warned that the agency would step up efforts to put counterfeiters out of business, branding them as “merchants of death.”
NAFDAC destroys N120bn ‘merchants of death’ fake products
Health
NAFDAC destroys N5bn fake, expired products in Aba
NAFDAC destroys N5bn fake, expired products in Aba
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down 150 shops at Eziukwu Market in Abia over fake and expired products Worth N5 billion.
The agency disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday on X.
NAFDAC said the shops were shut during a two-day operation on December 16 and 17, while products valued at N5billion were destroyed at the market.
The director of the South-East zone, Martins Iluyomade, expressed dismay at the continued illegal activities despite a previous undertaking signed by market leaders in December 2023 to expose counterfeiters.
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According to the statement, Mr Iluyomade described the market as a hub for counterfeit and substandard products.
“Our team uncovered a large-scale production and distribution of fake and expired goods, including beverages, carbonated drinks, wines, spirits, and vegetable oils.
“Revalidated food items such as milk, yoghurt, noodles among others were also destroyed,” the statement said.
It reaffirmed NAFDAC zero tolerance for such practices and emphasised its unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health while working toward a permanent solution to the problem of counterfeiting in the market
NAFDAC destroys N5bn fake, expired products in Aba
(NAN)
Health
Eating fish regularly minimises risk of incurable hearing condition – Study
Eating fish regularly minimises risk of incurable hearing condition – Study
Tinnitus is the sound of ringing in the ears. It may also be described as roaring, buzzing, hissing, or clicking inside the head. The sounds may come and go. Or they may be ongoing. The sounds range in severity from a mild distraction to a disabling condition and may manifest with buzzing, hissing, or clicking inside the head.
The sound may happen in one or both ears and may have different tones. A team from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston studied 73,000 individuals to understand how common this disorder is, which affects millions with a constant ringing in their ears.
Over a span of 30 years, those who consumed more than two servings of fish weekly had nearly 25 percent lower odds of getting tinnitus compared to those who seldom or never ate fish. Even eating just one serving a week resulted in a 13 percent reduced risk.
Certain types of fish, like tuna, light-fleshed varieties such as cod or halibut, and shellfish, were linked to a reduced risk, while darker fish like salmon and swordfish seemed to increase the risk.
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Interestingly, fish oil supplements, known for their benefits to heart, brain, and joint health, were also connected to a higher risk of tinnitus. It’s estimated that tinnitus is diagnosed in almost 1 in 6 persons.
While age-related hearing loss, ear injuries, and circulation issues are known to contribute to tinnitus, the exact cause remains unclear. Previous studies have suggested that dietary factors, such as high levels of calcium, iron, and fat, might heighten the risk. However, this new research is the first to analyse data over such a lengthy period.
Past findings have also shown that seafood can lower the risk of hearing loss, with one study suggesting that increased fish consumption might reduce hearing issues by up to 20 percent. Scientists believe that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish could protect inner ear cells or reduce inflammation caused by loud sounds, chemicals, or infections.
The Boston team’s investigation, based on a database of US nurses, aims to shed light on the connection between fish consumption and tinnitus, potentially aiding future patients. The authors of the study expressed hope that identifying factors that can be changed might help in preventing tinnitus and guiding targeted treatments.
Eating fish regularly minimises risk of incurable hearing condition – Study
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