Contaminated beer cause outcry

THERE is an outcry among imbibers at several outlets in Mutare over some noticeable foreign objects or substances being found in green bottled beer in recent weeks.

A check by this newspaper at several beer outlets in the city revealed that several outlets received green bottled beer bottles that contained some foreign objects or substances.

However, when contacted for comment, Delta Beverages, said they were not aware of the alleged outcry or the "numerous" incidences of foreign objects or substances in their lager beer products.

The company, however, confirmed having received complaints over products with some non-viable mould.

"Delta Beverages produces beverage products which are certified under various local and international food safety and quality programmes. We are not aware of the alleged outcry or the ‘numerous' incidences of foreign objects or substances in our lager beer products.

"We are aware of a consumer complaint by one Maxwell Kusasira who claims to have consumed a product with some non-viable mould as confirmed by our laboratory tests. There is also a similar claim by Mr Pension Dzamara also of Mutare.

"Such moulds are normally attributed to some ingression of air into the bottle, arising from the bottle top having been opened. This cannot be attributed to our manufacturing processes as this is normally a result of poor product handling during transportation or in the outlet.

"Delta indeed has state of the art manufacturing processes, which are equipped with electronic bottle inspectors and other quality gates that minimise the incidences of below spec product being passed to consumers.

"We cannot comment on the validity of the claims for compensations as the matters are now before the courts. We do not believe the claimants have advanced any cause or justification for compensation," reads Delta Beverages statement.

However, a local beer outlet manager, who spoke on condition of anonymity as he is not allowed to talk to the media by his employer, confirmed that they received crates of green bottled beers that had foreign objects or substances.

"We received some green bottled beer bottles that contained foreign objects or substances. We are worried that our clients might be at risk of getting ill after consumption of these products," she said.