Delta Blames Counterfeit Products in Coca-Cola Contamination Court Case

Delta Blames Counterfeit Products in Coca-Cola Contamination Court Case

Delta Corporation has distanced itself from a bottle of Coca-Cola allegedly found containing maggots, saying there is no evidence linking the product to its production line.

The company told the court that the soft drink could have been tampered with after leaving its manufacturing plant.

The beverage manufacturer appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court facing allegations of breaching public health regulations after foreign particles discovered inside a bottle of Coca-Cola were reportedly identified as maggots during laboratory examinations.

Also Read: Delta reports robust revenue growth as beverage sales accelerate

Company Challenges Contamination Claims

During proceedings before Magistrate Lisa Mutendereki, the company rejected claims that the contaminated drink originated from its production line.

Delta argued that its manufacturing system is fully automated and tightly controlled, making it nearly impossible for foreign objects to enter sealed products during production.

The company also pointed to the growing circulation of counterfeit beverages and risks associated with the secondary market, suggesting the bottle could have been interfered with after distribution.

Drink Bought From Street Vendor

According to court documents seen by New Zimbabwe, Harare resident Shepherd Mukonomera allegedly bought the 300ml Coca-Cola bottle from a street vendor along Mbuya Nehanda Street in October 2023.

The State claims Mukonomera consumed part of the drink before noticing unusual particles inside the bottle, prompting him to spit out the contents.

Authorities later submitted the remaining liquid for examination. Court proceedings heard that one assessment visually identified the particles as maggots, while another scientific test reportedly concluded the substance was starch.

Vendor Gives Statement

Street vendor Violet Musandukwa, who is jointly charged alongside Delta Beverages, reportedly told investigators she was shocked after the customer returned with complaints about the drink.

She said she inspected the bottle and noticed white particles at the bottom before informing both a shop manager and a Coca-Cola representative.

Delta Questions Investigation Methods

The beverage producer also challenged the reliability of the tests used during the investigation, arguing that the findings were inconsistent and inconclusive.

According to the company’s defence, investigators have not definitively established the exact nature of the substance found in the bottle or proved that it was hazardous to consumers.

Delta has since requested that the court inspect its production facility as part of its defence case.