Firm destroys ‘compromised’ soft drink

THE National Capital District Commission’s environmental health division destroyed assorted Gogo Cola canned drinks which were shipped to Port Moresby from its factory in East New Britain.
Pacific Industries Ltd in a statement said it had contacted NCDC to assist and supervise the safe and proper destruction of Gogo Cola cartons that were compromised due to flooding during transportation from Rabaul to Port Moresby.
The consignment was disposed of in Port Moresby on Tuesday and witnessed by Pacific Industries staff and members of city hall’s health division.
The company clarified that they were not under any investigation by the authorities and that the exercise was adhering to regulations.
“This was an isolated incident where Pacific Industries voluntarily decided to destroy product due to cartons being compromised due to flooding during transport,” the statement said.
“Pacific Industries prides itself on being a responsible corporate citizen, providing quality products to consumers. Contacting NCDC Environmental Health Division was protocol before being able to destroy any food and beverage products. Pacific Industries complies with all rules and regulations set out by the governing authorities.”
Health inspectors Matthew Laba and George Karalio said the damage had affected the integrity of the products and its packaging.
“We would like to state that we were not there to investigate the manufacturing process of the product, but purely to supervise the safe and proper destruction of the product,” Laba said.
“There is no concern regarding the manufacturing of the product and it is purely related to the product being damaged during shipment.”