Many Nigerian consumers have boycotted Erisco Tomato paste after a consumer, Chioma Egodi was allegedly arrested by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on the orders of Erisco Food, over her honest opinion on its product.
The lady had on September 17, taken to Facebook after buying the product to give a review of what she discovered. She wrote: “I went to buy tin tomatoes yesterday that I will use to make stew. I didn’t see Gino and Sonia.
“So, I decided to buy this one. When I opened it, I decided to taste it. Omo! Sugar was just too much. Haaa, Biko let me know if you have used this tin tomato before because this is an Ike gwuru situation.”
Responding, the company said the claim was untrue and unfounded in its entirety. The company in a statement, said its initial reaction was to ignore and disregard the post, which was obviously intended to mislead our esteemed customers and discredit the image of Erisco Foods Limited, as previously instigated by some elements, and syndicates who are uncomfortable with our increasing market dominance as a leading indigenous manufacturer of tomato pastes.
Daily Review Online monitored reactions online and also spoke to some retailers and consumers since the backlash. Man said they are no longer going to buy the product.
Writing on her Facebook page, Nkechi Bianze said: “I DON’T LIKE THIS TOMATO PASTE HERE! I don’t know what they mixed inside.
“I remember using this tomato paste, and it ruined my stew so badly I had to wash off the proteins and pour the stew in the bin.
“This brand of tomato paste is the reason I stopped using tomato paste, especially made in Naija tomato pastes.
“If I must, I’d still prefer Gino and Derica.
“May we not poison ourselves. Amen!”
Journalist, lawyer and author, Richard Akinnola 11 wrote: “I have given instructions that this product be banned in my home following the action of the company, Erisco which caused a consumer to be arrested by the police for complaining over its product. Fortunately, Mr Babatunde Irukera of FCCPC has stepped in.”
John Ogunlela wrote: “The company’s issue is worse than lack of PR managers. Their problem is that they are unwise. The police too acted in even more stupefying foolishness. Maybe the officers that handled that case are dug from the soil of some far away villages. They brought shame to the police. On what grounds can you effect such arrest? The lady should sue the police for infringing on her rights!
What case does the tomato puree company even wished to win? They will get the woman jailed? Or even tried for what? The whole thing is too ridiculous to even talk about.
They should in fact take that tomato puree to the lab for analysis and publish the report because it sounds like there is something the company is covering up about the contents of that can.”
Another consumer wrote: “Consumer must not be forced to consume what they perceive it’s harmful to them. If the lady feel the sugar content is much in the product then she is free to express her opinion rather the organization should take it as a customer feedback on their product and do a review of their product formula.”