Harris International Limited’s brand Riham is on the spot after participants at a meeting sued the company, claiming its Oner Apple Juice had maggots, and caused them diarrhea, fever, nausea and body weakness.
Also sued alongside Harris International Limited are Judith Turyahebwa and Sauda Tushabe from whose shops the Oner Apple Juice bottles in question were bought.
The over 40 complainants –from Kamwokya, Kawempe, Kisenyi and Makerere — had attended a meeting at Stanley Kimbowa’s home in Kamwokya, Kampala, on July 24, 2020, where they served Oner Juice.
But during and after the meeting, participants complained of fever, headache, diarrhea, nausea and general body weakness, and ended up in hospital for treatment.
They complainants claim they saw whitish masses in the bottle, and were convinced these were maggots.
To confirm what the whitish masses were, the group carried a sealed bottle of Oner Apple Juice to the Wandegeya-based Government Analytical Laboratory.
Test results at the government laboratory found revealed adulteration of the juice, and excessive yeast cells contrary to standard levels set.
The High Court is expected to order Harris International Limited to file its defence.
A hearing date will then be set.
If food and beverages manufacturer loses the case, the presiding judge is expected to grant the complainants’ prayer of Shs8.9m in medical expenses, and Shs35m in damages.
