Out-of-date orange drink turns deadly in Nigeria

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At least 10 people have died and hundreds of others are in hospital after drinking out-of-date powdered orange-flavoured drinks in the northern Nigerian state of Kano, the authorities say.

The locally made drinks are usually bought in sachets from local shops or hawkers and prepared by adding water.

In a recorded video message to the public, Dr Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa, Kano state’s commissioner of health, said more than 400 people had now fallen sick after consuming expired or substandard sachets in recent weeks.

About 50 people are currently undergoing kidney dialysis, he said.

Patients’ symptoms have included vomiting, diarrhoea and blood in the urine. Some have also reported experiencing dizziness.

Investigations are under way - and the public have been urged to check the dates on sachets.

No particular manufacturer has been mentioned, however several people have been arrested for selling out-of-date sachets.

The authorities are also investigating whether contaminated water in the preparation of the drinks could be another possible factor.

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Expired orange drink

Nigeria