By Olawale Abideen, Lagos
A University Don and former Vice Chancellor, Benson Idahosa University, BIU, Professor Ernest Izevbigie has challenged Nigerian Breweries, NB over ‘Low Sugar’ Amstel Malt label being marketed by the company, noted that the low sugar content label was not arrived at on merit.
According to the University teacher, the introduction of Amstel Malt low sugar brand brewed by the Breweries, NB-PLC for those with medical condition that forbids them from taking sugar and sugary food or drinks has found a new route to enjoy malt without fear may be deceitful. He said: “The recent clinical research by the revealed a dangerous medical alert.”
Izevbigie, a Professor of Biochemistry who claimed to have developed certain health complication as a result of more sugar contents in his body due to his passion for taking Amstel Malt. He noted that his interest in the Amstel Malt was because of the low sugar content label on it.
He however added that in his latest clinical research, the Amstel Malt did not merit the “low sugar” label The university Don accused the company of allegedly inscribing misleading information, “low sugar,” on the label of one of its non-alcoholic drinks, Amstel Malt.
Professor Izevbigie alleged that a laboratory investigation revealed that the product contained more sugar than the company claimed in the inscription of the brand thereby accusing NB-PLC of false claim that deteriorate his medical condition.
Consequent upon this, the professor instituted a legal action against the brewer of Amstel Malta; the Nigerian Breweries PLC at a High Court in Benin City for alleged deception.
The case, with suit number, B/281/2017, was filed at an Edo State High Court before the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Esohe Ikponmwen, through the claimant’s lawyer, Mr. Okonkwo Emmanuel of Henry Idahagbon and Co. from the Trinity Chambers.
He prayed the court to order the company to tender a written apology because he had been injured by the alleged deception, claiming that the label was misleading to the public.
Izevbigie said that he had during a medical check-up discovered an increase in his blood sugar level, adding that he had traced the challenge to his regular intake of the malt drink.
During cross-examination by the counsel to the defendant, Mr. L. O. Ogiefere, Izevbigie told the court that Amstel Malt did not merit the “low sugar” label, according to clinical research.
According to him, the drink allegedly contained 10 cubes of sugar as against the 10 and a half to 10 one-quarter cubes contained in other malt drinks. The matter was later adjourned to June 28 for the defendant to open its case.
Kufre Ekanem, NB Corporate Affairs Adviser in a telephone conversation the President of the Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists, Olawale Abideen said he will not like to comment on the issue since it has been brought before the court. He however denied allegation by the university Don claiming that Nigeria Breweries has a standard that has never being compromised.
