Timothy Oyomare
Probable fears have enveloped Nigerians over rumour making the rounds that products of Cadbury in United Kingdom have been contaminated by HIV. The rumour was triggered by an online post shared on Facebook and Twitter which warned the public not to consume chocolate products manufactured by Cadbury due to contamination by an HIV victim.
To douse these fears, the veracity of the story has been disputed and assurances have also come from top agencies of government of the United States of America and Canada that such a contamination was near impossible given the strict production process in involved.
Specifically, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Public Health Agency of Canada, have confirmed that HIV cannot be transmitted via food or beverages, and so, people have no cause to worry.
These assurances notwithstanding, some Nigerians Media Issues spoke to, are still apprehensive, preferring to exercise caution. Toyin Olagunju, a student of the University of Lagos, said she consumes chocolate products a lot, but will apply caution for now. “I will suspend consumption for the time being”, she said.
Another Nigerian, Mrs Okoroafor, told Media Issues that she has also heard the rumour which said may not affect Nigerian products which are made by Cadbury Nigeria. She said, “I like chocolate, but I will only reduce the consumption, but cannot stop it completely.”
Efforts to get Cadbury Nigeria’s response proved futile as one Raymond, an employee of the company Media Issues spoke to said “the person authorized to speak on behalf of the company is not on seat.”