Misleading Trade Description: Coca-Cola Fires Back At FCCPC, Wants Closure To The Issue

The ongoing confrontation between. Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited (Coca-Cola) and Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) is not abating soon.

The beverage giant has fired back at the government agency saying its packaging provides clear information and meets the national regulatory requirements.

The company spoke in a statement, responding to a warning issued by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) over the use of misleading trade descriptions.

On August 1, the FCCPC had said Coca-Cola and the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) have been carrying out unfair marketing tactics, thereby “misleading consumers”.

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The commission said Coca-Cola and the NBC are guilty of deceiving the public by describing the variant of its Coca-Cola “Original Taste, Less Sugar” as the same as its “Original Taste” variant in terms of formulation.

The FCCPC asked the companies to ensure sufficient and acceptable packaging, labels, and differentiation between Coke Original Taste and Coke Original Taste Less Sugar — satisfactory to and approved by the commission.

The commission noted that the companies are subject to supervision for a period of 24 months.

Responding in a statement on August 2, Coca-Cola reaffirmed its commitment to consumer interests.

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“Coca-Cola Nigeria provides clear, accessible nutrition information on our packaging in line with national regulatory requirements and is committed to transparency for consumers,” the statement reads.

“Our priority is safeguarding consumer interests and we will continue to work constructively with the government on this matter.”

According to the statement, the Coca-Cola system in Nigeria has complied with all regulations and look forward to the opportunity “to bring the topic to closure”.