Health concerns rise as flavoured concentrates flood Kano

Amidst high temperatures and the cost of branded carbonated drinks, sweet-flavoured concentrates diluted with water have become the go-to drinks for many residents of Kano metropolis. As the day winds down and residents prepare to break their fast during this Ramadan, many are seen sharing a bottle of chilled sweet-flavoured drink diluted from various concentrates […]

Amidst high temperatures and the cost of branded carbonated drinks, sweet-flavoured concentrates diluted with water have become the go-to drinks for many residents of Kano metropolis.

As the day winds down and residents prepare to break their fast during this Ramadan, many are seen sharing a bottle of chilled sweet-flavoured drink diluted from various concentrates that now litter the streets of Kano.

Often, during this time of the year, vendors of these concentrates, some in liquid forms while others in powdered forms, make brisk money due to surge in demand.

As the demand increases, amidst high temperatures reaching between 32 and 39 degrees Celsius, so also the concerns about the safety of consuming such drinks, many of which are not registered with the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

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Weekend Trust reports that many fasting residents rush to guzzle bottles of these drinks as they break their fast, even before munching on the traditional dates, fresh fruit or even tea and porridge.

Along major sidewalks of busy roads, these vendors are found; easy to spot with some of them setting up their stands from midday to the evenings offering a selection of both popular and less common concentrates.

But apart from heat, which has pushed the demand, the vendors are equally exploiting an economic gap in the rise in the cost of living across the country. With popularly branded carbonated drinks now selling between N250 and N600 per bottle, sweet-flavoured drinks and concentrates have become the favourite option for people of low economic means.

Those who patronise the vendors told Weekend Trust that when the concentrates are mixed with water and ice, it makes for a refreshing drink, especially when used to break the fast after going more than 12 hours without nourishment and water.

This reporter gathered that while a small bottle of carbonated drink goes for about N250, with the same amount, one can buy concentrates to serve over five people.

Ahmad Ibrahim Gama, who deals in these concentrates, said more of them flooded the market annually, especially during Ramadan. He, however, estimated that about 60 per cent of these concentrates do not have NAFDAC registration numbers.  

“During Ramadan periods, our business shines, we smile to the bank often because the demand for these concentrates increases,” he said, adding that many residents of Kano make bulk purchases because when chilled, the drinks provide relief from the heat and an alternative to other expensive carbonated drinks.

“This can be regarded as a locally made substitute of carbonated soft drinks that come in different flavours,” he added.

Nafiu Ibrahim, a resident of Kano, said he frequented street vendors to buy the concentrates. Because he can no longer afford to buy two bottles of carbonated drinks daily, Ibrahim said he found solace in the concentrates.

“With as low as N200 and ice, five to six of us are good to go. We will consume our chilled drink after iftar,” he explained.

Maryam Sani, who was seen purchasing the liquid concentrates packaged in large plastic bottles from a roadside vendor, explained that the drink was often enough for her large family when diluted with water and ice. “Everyone gets a cup or more to drink,” she said.

But not everyone shares this enthusiasm, no matter how affordable. Those who are health-conscious said they would rather stick to fresh fruits or juice made from natural fruits over synthetic drinks.

When asked of his preference, Abdullahi Sani Abdullahi, a Kannywood filmmaker said, “Drinking fresh juice makes me healthier. Why would I consume all these concoctions?”

While varieties of these concentrates and flavoured drinks reflect personal tastes and affordability, there are important concerns about their safety, especially those without government registration.

An assistant director at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Kano State, Alice Atabo, shared this concern. She said NAFDAC was working hard to remove all unregistered soft drinks from the market.  

“We understand the risks of consuming such additives or chemical concentrates that have not been approved. You simply don’t know what is in them,” she stressed.

 Atabo explained that the process of preservation and processing of the additives remained a critical cause of concern.

“If you are buying these things or any other form of drink, always check how it is packaged. You can’t just buy drinks that have been sitting under the sun all day. Even if the drink is registered, improper handling can cause health issues,” she warned.

She emphasized that registered soft drinks come with specific storage instructions. “If the product is kept under the sun or in improper conditions, it is best to avoid it. And as for unregistered products, it is best not to purchase them at all,” Atabo advised.

Our reporter observed that displaying the liquid concentrates to the scorching sun has become a common sight along major streets. It was also observed that some of the liquid contents showed signs of evaporation with their volume far less than others. When approached for comments, many street vendors avoided this reporter, with one becoming hostile at the suggestion that the sun could affect the quality of the drinks.

However, one vendor who was seen marketing his product at a traffic stop defended the practice, saying, “I have been selling these drinks for years and I have never thought much about the temperature.

“Customers prefer the liquid concentrate over the ones in sachet because it is affordable. You can dilute it to serve an entire household, which is why it is popular among the average social class.”

Equally, Nuhu Sai’d Ahmad, who sells varieties of powdered drinks at Yankura market said, “We are registered sellers in this market, so we do not sell unregistered or expired products. During this period, there is surge in patronage because of the Ramadan fast. This month, we do whatever will please people, and God will also give us rewards.”

But experts disagree. Awwalu Musa, a registered dietitian and chairman of the Kano branch of the Nigerian Nutrition and Dietetics Association, cautioned consumers about the potential health risks of synthetic drinks. He said, “It is crucial to be mindful of what you are consuming, especially during Ramadan. These synthetic drinks, whether in powdered form or as liquid concentrates, are not the healthiest choice.”

Musa explained that many of the drinks contain artificial colours, preservatives, sweeteners and flavour enhancers like monosodium glutamate, without much attention given to their nutritional content.

“If you were to consume 200 bottles of these drinks, the nutritional value would be equivalent to just one orange.

“We advise that even if you must consume synthetic flavoured drinks, they should be taken in moderation. Excessive intake over an extended period can harm your health, potentially leading to heart problems, nephritis, and liver issues,” he warned.

On consuming synthetic drinks after iftar, Awwalu Musa further cautioned against it, saying the body works to filter unwanted substances during fasting hours, which helps to remove carcinogens, free radicals and even toxins.

He said, “This is why you may notice a change in the colour of your urine during Ramadan. Drinking carbonated or synthetic beverages right after breaking your fast is like cleaning your room and then immediately spreading dirt all over it.”

While cooling refreshment and low price rate of these concentrates might be tempting, the health expert encourages a more balanced approach that prioritises natural fruits or beverages over synthetic, processed alternatives.