KENYA – Soft drink manufacturer Coca-Cola Company has filed an application with the High Court, requesting a 10-month extension to comply with a previous decision that mandates the inclusion of nutritional information and customer care details on its glass bottles.
The subsidiary, Coca-Cola Beverages Kenya, asserts that it has already engaged with the Kenya Bureau of Standards to approve proposed designs, estimating the cost of this venture to be at least KES8 billion (US$50.54bn).
The company emphasizes its commitment to compliance with the court judgment and regulatory requirements, seeking additional time to finalize engagements with the Kenya Bureau of Standards.
Advocate Paul Kiragu Wathuta, representing the company, notes that the initial decision by Justice John Onyiego did not provide detailed steps for compliance.
Justice Onyiego’s directive in 2018 required Nairobi Bottlers and Coca-Cola Central, East and West Africa Limited to include nutritional information, storage directions, and customer care contact details on glass bottles of Coca-Cola, Fanta, Krest, Stoney, and Sprite brands.
Following the Supreme Court’s dismissal of their appeal on a technicality in November, the subsidiary initiated steps to comply with Justice Onyiego’s decision.
John Mwendwa, the Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability Director of Nairobi Bottlers Limited, states that they have appointed dedicated work streams within and outside the organization to compile a compliance roadmap.
As responsible corporate citizens, the company asserts its engagement with various government agencies, including the Kenya Bureau of Standards, to ensure proposed changes align with the court’s judgment.
Mwendwa notes that other agencies may have a vested interest in the decision, necessitating consultation for full compliance.
Justice Chacha Mwita has directed the application to be served on the involved parties, with responses to be filed within 14 days, and further directions are set for January 31.
Food labels serve as a legal imperative, playing a crucial role for various reasons. They empower consumers to make informed decisions about their food choices, ensuring safe storage and usage practices, and facilitating meal planning to minimize food wastage.
In today’s climate, consumers display heightened interest in nutritional information, given the escalating prevalence of food-related diseases and health issues.
Consequently, individuals are increasingly opting for more nourishing alternatives, emphasizing the need for clear disclosure of nutrition and dietary details on all purchased food items.
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