Peter Uzoho
A leading beverage manufacturing company, Tasty Time Limited, has warned the public against using some of its products for substance abuse. Speaking against the background of the recent arrest of some youths in Lagos for cultism and substance abuse, the firm said its premium Tasty Time mix-to-drink blackcurrant flavoured product was not in any way associated with the infamous ‘scoochies’.
In a statement signed by its legal counsel, Mr. Ayodele Kusamotu, Tasty Time noted that it was not into the production of alcoholic or intoxicating substances and warned youths against using its products for wrong purposes.
The statement reads in part: “The attention of the Tasty Time Limited has been drawn to a media campaign aimed at evoking negative perception of one of its leading products in the market.
“During the parade of some arrested cultists in Lagos last week, police authorities had displayed Tasty Time mix-to-drink blackcurrant flavour product container and referred to it as ‘scoochies’.
“As a responsible company with track record of adherence to quality standards, we make clear to state that Tasty Time flavoured mix-to-drink blackcurrant is not in any way associated with ‘scoochies’.
“Our products, which are non-alcoholic, are produced under a strict hygienic condition and certified by NAFDAC. While our esteemed customers reserve the right to mix our products with any other thing, other than the recommended liquids, we state emphatically that we are not into the production of alcoholic or intoxicating substances.
“We urge those desperate to tarnish our reputation to desist from doing so as we may be compelled to explore legal means to address such sinister action.
“While we restate our commitment to our loyal customers, we urge the public to disregard images being circulated through the social media where the content of Tasty Time ready-to-drink blackcurrant flavoured product is referred to as ‘scoochies.’â€
The company noted that the relevant regulatory agencies had been notified of the development.
