Health Authority Seizes 20,000 Crates of Expired Coca‑Cola Products

The Gboko Local Government Health Authority in Benue State removed 20,000 crates of expired Coca‑Cola products from Gboko Main Market after a routine inspection revealed beverages that had expired in 2024.

The operation was carried out under the direction of the Health Authority’s director, Mrs. Wede Victoria, with assistance from environmental health officers and market security staff.

Health officials said the expired goods were still displayed openly for sale, despite having surpassed their recommended consumption dates.

Mrs. Victoria explained that the seizure was necessary to protect consumers from the potential health risks posed by expired beverages.

She warned that consuming expired carbonated drinks could cause stomach discomfort, food poisoning and other health complications.

During the exercise, inspectors removed the affected products from traders’ stalls and transported them to a government storage facility, where they will be destroyed in accordance with health and safety regulations.

Authorities have also called traders linked to the seized stock for questioning while investigations continue to determine how the products entered the market.

Officials are working to trace suppliers and assess whether there were breaches in distribution, storage or retail practices.

Some traders claimed they were unaware that the products had expired, while others expressed concern about the financial losses incurred by the seizure.

Residents of Gboko largely welcomed the intervention, noting that many consumers purchase packaged drinks without routinely checking expiry dates.

The health authority has warned traders to regularly inspect product expiry dates and maintain proper storage standards.

Officials emphasized that shops found selling expired or substandard products could face sanctions, including confiscation of goods and possible prosecution.