Coca-Cola scandal continues: Orbán cabinet’s strongman would modify law

Italians drink higher quality Fanta than their Hungarian peers even though the branding is not different in the two countries. Coca-Cola acknowledged the differences, while the Hungarian authorities said the company did not breach dual quality regulations. János Lázár, one of Orbán’s strongmen, harshly criticised Coca-Cola’s practice and urged stricter rules.

Fanta is different in Hungary than in Italy, Coca-Cola acknowledges

We wrote HERE that Italian Fanta had more than double the orange content than its Hungarian version. In Hungary, the orange juice from concentrate in a bottle of Fanta is approximately 5%. Meanwhile, that is 12% in Italy, which is why they differ both in appearance and taste. The Italian version is much closer to the taste of real oranges since it is slightly tart.

The National Food Chain Safety Office (Nemzeti Élelmiszerlánc-biztonsági Hivatal, Nébih) has previously investigated the manufacturer’s products for similar reasons and found no legal violations. The agency explained that having the same branded product with different compositions in different countries does not necessarily breach dual quality regulations. According to the Nébih, “the composition set by the manufacturer is influenced by the preferences of consumers in each country, referred to as “national taste preferences”.

Orbán’s strongman slams Coca-Cola, Aldi, Lidl, Spar

This is where Construction and Transport Minister János Lázár, one of Orbán’s strongmen, enters the game with a Facebook post. He said nobody should consume sugary drinks, but the quality difference is outrageous. He added that the state institution accepting Coca-Cola’s explanation cannot fulfil its task. He said that was a question of the Hungarians’ health.

Therefore, he suggests stricter regulation and wants a system that can follow the way of foods and he would like to stand up against players taking advantage of the suppliers and robbing the buyers.