Executive Officer, Tiger Foods, Mr Don Ebubeogu has explained why sugar is added to some tomato pastes by some manufacturers.
In a post on his official facebook page, Ebubeogu said that sugar may be added in order to balance the acidity of the tomato.
He explained that typically, in some commercially produced tomato pastes, a small amount of sugar may be added to balance the natural acidity of tomatoes and enhance the flavour and taste.
“Tomatoes are acidic, and the addition of sugar counteracts that. Therefore, the purpose of adding a pinch of sugar to processed tomato paste is to balance its acidity,” Ebubeogu said.
He, however, noted that there is no standard cap on the percentage of sugar to be added adding that it is the producer’s responsibility to indicate the percentage of added sugar.
He advised that consumers need to read the ingredient list on the product label to determine if any sugar has been added and if they are comfortable with the calorie level of the food they wish to purchase.
On customers giving reviews, the Tiger Foods CEO agreed that it is the right of the consumer to review the product they use without fear or favour.
“Such reviews should not be subjective with the intention to demarket and scare away existing and potential consumers of the brand.
“Consumer reviews strengthen companies to improve their products and services. That is one of the primary reasons most companies have Consumer Care or Research & Development Department,” Ebubeogu said.
He called on Nigerians to continue trusting made in Nigeria goods as it has been established that products made in Nigeria stand tall above the imported ones because of the stringent regulation and control by NAFDAC and the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON).
“Consumers should, therefore, have faith and trust the process that produces most of the goods made in Nigeria,” Ebubeogu said.
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