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Recent reports have raised concerns about discrepancies in the composition of Fanta compared to other European countries, prompting strong reactions from János Lázár, the Minister of Construction and Transport, reports Index.
Minister Lázár criticized foreign food companies for allegedly selling inferior products to Hungarian consumers and vowed to tighten regulations governing food quality.
Coca-Cola company, responding to the controversy, acknowledged that Fanta formulations vary across Europe,
citing differences in fruit juice content and sugar levels, which adhere to local regulations and ongoing efforts to reduce sugar content. They assured that packaging in each country reflects local product specifications to provide transparent information to consumers.
The issue gained attention after a Hungarian newspaper’s (Pénzcentrum) reader noticed significant differences in Fanta purchased in Italy compared to that sold in Hungary, questioning both taste and appearance. János Lázár expressed outrage on social media, asserting that the health of Hungarians depends partly on the quality of products available in stores and criticizing what he perceives as multinational corporations prioritizing profit over consumer health.
He further emphasized his concerns during a government session, accusing stakeholders of evading responsibility and dismissing consumer health concerns.
Mr. Lázár argued that while individuals have the freedom to choose their purchases, it is unacceptable for Hungarians to receive lower-quality products from international companies compared to those sold elsewhere.
He called out regulatory bodies for purportedly failing to adequately safeguard consumer interests and demanded stricter enforcement of food quality standards. The Minister highlighted disparities in product quality across multinational supermarket chains, accusing them of potentially offloading goods in Hungary that are deemed unsuitable for sale in Western Europe, posing health risks.
In advocating for robust measures to protect consumer health, the politician underscored the importance of traceability in food products and collective action against practices that exploit consumers. He stressed that while trade should be unrestricted, it must not compromise public health priorities. János Lázár’s stance reflects broader concerns in Hungary about the integrity of food products available on the market and calls for enhanced regulatory oversight to ensure transparency and safety in the food industry.
Via Index; Featured Image: Pexels