UAC Foods Limited, makers of the popular sausage roll Gala, has vehemently denied a viral rumour claiming the company uses pork in its flagship product instead of real beef.
The rumor, which spread rapidly across social media this week in the form of a video, alleged that Gala contains pork and misled Muslim consumers who make up a significant portion of the snack’s massive fanbase.
However, in a strongly-worded statement, UAC Foods Managing Director and CEO Oluyemi Oloyede called the claim “absolutely false” and attached the company’s NAFDAC certificate and 2021-2024 Halal certifications as proof of its adherence to food quality and halal requirements.
“We were alarmed by this video getting shared online about UAC Foods using pork in Gala, and would like to clearly state that this is FALSE,” Oloyede stated on LinkedIn. “We use ONLY beef, real beef and TVP (texturized vegetable protein made from soybeans containing 52% protein).”
“We would like to assure the general public and our customers that they are in safe hands and we will never compromise on quality or safety in our business operations. We will continue to protect our brand and our heritage.”
He added that UAC Foods, which has been producing Gala for 62 years, undergoes annual NAFDAC audits and four inspections per year by the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON). The company is also fully compliant with regulations set by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.
“We would like to assure the general public and our customers that they are in safe hands and we will never compromise on quality or safety in our business operations,” Oloyede affirmed. “We will continue to protect our brand and our heritage.”
UAC Foods has indicated its intent to pursue legal action against those responsible for creating and spreading the false rumor, which it deems a violation of its trademark rights. According to Oloyede, “To the extent of the law, we will ensure that those spreading these rumors face the full extent of spreading mischief, misinformation and falsehood.”