Consumer council opens inquiry on Blue Band ‘spread for bread’ controversy

The Consumer Protection Council said on Sunday it has opened
inquiry into the controversy about the safety of Blue Band “Spread
for Bread” when subjected to high temperature in boiling water.

The council said in a statement sent to TheNigerialawyer that it
was aware of a short demonstration video circulating on social
media about how the product by Unilever Nigeria PLC did not melt or
dissolve under certain heat conditions.

The statement signed by the Director General of the Council,
Babatunde Irukera, said the video has been a subject of anxiety and
intense controversy as it suggested the product was unsafe for
human consumption.

Mr Irukera said “available scientific information confirms that,
though butter, margarine, and spread appear analogous, and share
similar components, characteristics and uses, they are different
products available to consumers.”

He said butter and margarine share a particular similar
characteristic of low resistance to heat.

As such, the consumer protection agency said both products were
likely to melt when subjected to certain levels of heat.

However, the agency said spreads have varying heat resistance,
depending on intended use, and production process.

As a result, Mr Irukera explained, even where a spread did not
melt under similar heat conditions as butter or margarine, it was
not necessarily unsafe for human consumption.

“Spreads are produced in part by adding emulsifiers which are
additives used in stabilizing and binding processed foods. They are
not inherently unsafe or uncommon.

“The specific emulsifying agent and amount used, largely depends
on many factors, including shelf life, storage, handling and
climatic conditions in order to prevent microbial activity,” the
CPC statement explained.

The council said Unilever already issued a statement to address
public concern by differentiating Blue Band “Spread for Bread”
product and explaining the purposes of the two different
products.

Regardless, the council said it opened the inquiry to determine
the product’s safety, and clarify some aspects of Unilever’s
statements to the consuming public.

Mr Irukera said the inquiry was to ensure Unilever’s products,
differentiated or otherwise, were safe and subjected to proper
processes.

Besides, he said, the council wanted to ensure the “in-trade”
handling was consistent with the different properties and
characteristics of each product.

The council said it would continue to collaborate with the
National Agency for Foods Administration & Control and Standard
Organisation of Nigeria on applicable safety standards.

It, however, advised members of the public that consumption of
butter, margarine or spreads generally are not unsafe.

The Consumer Protection Council said on Sunday it has opened
inquiry into the controversy about the safety of Blue Band “Spread
for Bread” when subjected to high temperature in boiling
water.

The council said in a statement sent to TheNigerialawyer that it
was aware of a short demonstration video circulating on social
media about how the product by Unilever Nigeria PLC did not melt or
dissolve under certain heat conditions.

The statement signed by the Director General of the Council,
Babatunde Irukera, said the video has been a subject of anxiety and
intense controversy as it suggested the product was unsafe for
human consumption.

Mr Irukera said “available scientific information confirms that,
though butter, margarine, and spread appear analogous, and share
similar components, characteristics and uses, they are different
products available to consumers.”

He said butter and margarine share a particular similar
characteristic of low resistance to heat.

As such, the consumer protection agency said both products were
likely to melt when subjected to certain levels of heat.

However, the agency said spreads have varying heat resistance,
depending on intended use, and production process.

As a result, Mr Irukera explained, even where a spread did not
melt under similar heat conditions as butter or margarine, it was
not necessarily unsafe for human consumption.

“Spreads are produced in part by adding emulsifiers which are
additives used in stabilizing and binding processed foods. They are
not inherently unsafe or uncommon.

“The specific emulsifying agent and amount used, largely depends
on many factors, including shelf life, storage, handling and
climatic conditions in order to prevent microbial activity,” the
CPC statement explained.

The council said Unilever already issued a statement to address
public concern by differentiating Blue Band “Spread for Bread”
product and explaining the purposes of the two different
products.

Regardless, the council said it opened the inquiry to determine
the product’s safety, and clarify some aspects of Unilever’s
statements to the consuming public.

Mr Irukera said the inquiry was to ensure Unilever’s products,
differentiated or otherwise, were safe and subjected to proper
processes.

Besides, he said, the council wanted to ensure the “in-trade”
handling was consistent with the different properties and
characteristics of each product.

The council said it would continue to collaborate with the
National Agency for Foods Administration & Control and Standard
Organisation of Nigeria on applicable safety standards.

It, however, advised members of the public that consumption of
butter, margarine or spreads generally are not unsafe.