Chi Limited, makers of Chivita Ice Tea, has reiterated its claim of “no preservatives” quality to consumers, saying research studies have shown that consumption of preservatives over a period of time could have negative effects on human health.
A statement by the company recently noted that consuming preservative could be a source of breathing problems like asthma and bronchitis, and some have been known to weaken heart cells, body tissues, and cause cancer.
The brand echoed scientific claims that preservatives and additives have been commonly used in producing packaged foods and beverages to increase shelf-life, and reduce the loss of taste or ingredients in the product before consumption, noting that common preservatives used in food production include benzoates, nitrites and sulphites are not healthy, hence the need for the company to explore ways to keep its products a natural condition.
According to the company, recent research report has shown Chivita Ice Tea, the first Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Ice Tea brand produced by Chi Limited which was launched into Nigeria about a decade ago, contained no preservatives.
“Chivita Ice Tea, a product which offers consumers all the natural benefits of tea extracts, is the only Ice Tea brand in Nigeria that is produced in aseptic packaging. The Aseptic packaging production process is a specialised process in which food or other contents are processed separately and filled into the aseptic container or pack in a sterile environment that is safe and free of all harmful bacteria and free from human intervention.
“This type of packaging allows the food and beverage products to be transported over long distances, stored, and sold on shelves without refrigeration, thereby enabling the product to have a stable shelf life of between 6-18 months, depending on the product,” the statement stated.
