Union calls for caution over verdict on NBC

The National Union of Food Beverage and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE) has cautioned Nigerians over subjecting the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) to harsh criticism due to recent verdict of a Lagos High Court on two of the company’s products. An Igbosere High Court had recently ordered the  National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control […]

The National Union of Food Beverage and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE) has cautioned Nigerians over subjecting the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) to harsh criticism due to recent verdict of a Lagos High Court on two of the company’s products.

An Igbosere High Court had recently ordered the  National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to compel the Nigerian Bottling Company, NBC, Plc, to carry a mandatory warning on its Fanta and Sprite products, stating that the contents should not be taken with Vitamin C in order to avoid poisoning.

But the national president of the union, Lateef Oyelekan, told newsmen in Lagos that  NBC, as a major investor in the country, should not be subjected to negative publicity without proper facts as it would endanger the company`s corporate profile and affect the nation’s economy.

“If this happens and it affects the bottom line of the company, the workers’ job would be threatened and this is not what we want at this period of economic recession,” he said.

Oyelekan said more Nigerians were already out of job due to the present economic challenges, adding that the investors who were still operating despite the challenges in the country should be commended.

The NBC, in reaction to the judgment, had said it was inaccurate and that its products were safe.