The Ministry of Commerce says its inspectors found no food safety or hygiene problems at a Pepsi-Cola bottling plant accused of distributing bottles of soda containing dirt and bugs.
Camcontrol, an inspection agency for the ministry, reported that the Angkor Beverage Company plant on Norodom Boulevard met all standards for production.
When asked for an update on the investigation, Teh Seng, general manager of Angkor Beverage Company Ltd, released a letter he had from Ministry of Commerce Secretary of State Sok Siphana.
“Camcontrol has stated that both Pepsi-Cola International and Angkor Beverage Company has cooperated fully with Camcontrol, welcoming the inspectors into the plant during the course of the investigation,” the letter states.
“The Ministry’s inquiries involved a complete audit of all production processes, including manufacturing, processing, transportation, goods, warehouses, and a comprehensive interview of all production staff including the plant manager, quality control and line personnel.
“Camcontrol are satisfied that Angkor Beverage Company’s operation is committed to producing high-quality product, and meets all regulatory and legislative requirements with regards to food safety and hygiene,” the letter states.
The investigation started after vendors and consumers complained about foreign substances in their soft drinks. One vendor brought samples to The Cambodia Daily that had particles suspended in the liquid. The letter to Angkor Beverage stated that the Ministry of Commerce received no direct complaints from consumers or vendors, and thus considered the complaints unsubstantiated.
On Sept 8, an Angkor Beverage spokesman called the contamination “an unfortunate incident” caused because “some Cambodian employees didn’t pay enough attention.” But he said there was no health risk.