Coca-Cola, like almost every other multinational conglomerate, has had their fair share of controversies. From racist hiring policies to air pollution and cancerous ingredients, the allegations have been far and wide. Yet, it remains one of the world’s most popular sodas, but this latest scandal might just put a dent into their consumer base.
In a truly twisted and gag-inducing story, a Coke plant in Northern Ireland has been shut down after it was contaminated by human feces! Yup, human excrement found in the very containers you drink out of! Police from Northern Island are on the case now, with the Helllenic Bottling Company factory in Lisburn, Co Antrim under heavy scrutiny and investigation.
A police spokesperson said:
“Detectives are investigating an incident at commercial premises in the Lisburn area following reports that a consignment of containers delivered to the premises had been contaminated. The investigation is at an early stage and there are no further details available at this time.”
The company had to halt their processing when the plant was found to get contaminated overnight. The problem is that the exact point of contamination is difficult to pinpoint, adding complexity to the investigation. The cans usually arrive at the plant without any tops, are filled then sealed before distribution across Northern Ireland. Keeping this long chain in mind, the contamination could have happened at any point in the process.
The company told the Belfast Telegraph:
“Coca-Cola takes the safety and quality of our products extremely seriously. We are aware of an incident involving empty cans at our plant in Knockmore Hill, Lisburn. We are treating this matter extremely seriously and are conducting a thorough investigation in co-operation with the PSNI.”A spokesperson added: “The problem was identified immediately through our robust quality procedures and all of the product from the affected production was immediately impounded and will not be sold. This is an isolated incident and does not affect any products currently on sale.”
Pat Catney, who is Social Democratic and Labour Party Member of the Legislative Assembly for Lagan Valley spoke on the disconcerting issue:
“I am not sure how contamination could have come about. They are sticklers for hygiene, cleanliness and about contamination. We shall have to wait for the police investigation.But it is a state-of-the art factory. I have been around it and this is one of the most professional set-ups I have ever seen.”
Coca-Cola was adamant on saying that none of the contaminated cans arrived at the market. The Food Standards Agency added:
“The FSA in Northern Ireland is aware of a physical contamination incident at Coca-Cola Hellenic in Lisburn. There is no evidence to suggest that any affected product has reached the market. The incident is subject to an investigation by the PSNI and the environmental health unit of Lisburn and Castlereagh city council.”
Here’s to hoping that Coca-Cola is right in their claims, for the sake of Irish Coke drinkers!