Delta Denies Contaminated Coca-Cola Came From Its Production Line As Harare Court Case Continues

Delta Corporation has denied allegations that a contaminated bottle of Coca-Cola containing suspected maggots originated from its production line, as a high-profile food safety case continues before the Harare Magistrates’ Court.

The beverage manufacturer is facing scrutiny after a government laboratory reportedly confirmed that foreign particles discovered inside a Coca-Cola bottle were maggots. The matter is being heard under the provisions of Zimbabwe’s Public Health Act. The case, which has reignited debate around food safety standards and counterfeit beverages in Zimbabwe, was heard on Thursday before Magistrate Lisa Mutendereki.

According to court papers, Harare resident Shepherd Mukonomera bought a 300ml Coca-Cola from a street vendor at 62 Mbuya Nehanda Street on 19 October 2023. The State alleges that after consuming most of the drink, Mukonomera noticed unusual foreign objects floating inside the bottle.

“The complainant purchased a 300ml Coca-Cola soft drink… whilst drinking the soft drink after reaching about a quarter, he then saw some unknown foreign objects,” the State outline reportedly reads.

Mukonomera immediately spat out the drink before the remaining contents were submitted for forensic examination. During proceedings, the complainant reportedly described the particles as worms.

The prosecution told the court that the soft drink underwent laboratory testing. One visual inspection reportedly concluded that the foreign objects resembled maggots, while another scientific examination allegedly identified starch substances. However, Delta Beverages strongly challenged the findings and argued that the tests were inconclusive. In its defence outline, the company stated:

“There is nothing on record to prove that the alleged contaminated product was produced at the 2nd Accused’s plant.”

Delta argued that contamination could have occurred after the product left the factory due to storage conditions, tampering, or counterfeit beverage operations.

The company said Zimbabwe’s growing counterfeit beverage market presents major risks to manufacturers and consumers alike. According to court submissions, Delta insisted its bottling systems are automated and sealed, making contamination during production “physically impossible.”

“Collection, preparation and bottling of all Coca-Cola beverages occurs in a highly regulated, automated and sealed environment where it is physically impossible for foreign substances to enter the production line,” the company reportedly argued.

Delta also questioned the chain of custody and handling procedures after the beverage entered the secondary market. The accused parties in the matter are vendor Violet Musandukwa and Delta Beverages, represented in court by lawyer Chenai Chawafambira.

Musandukwa reportedly told investigators she was shocked after being confronted by the customer.

“Upon checking the drink, I saw that there were white organisms at the bottom of the Coca-Cola bottle,” she said.

Delta has requested that the court inspect its production facilities as part of its defence. The company maintains there is no conclusive proof linking the contaminated bottle directly to its manufacturing plant. The matter has been postponed to 18 May 2026 for continuation of trial proceedings. The case has sparked wider public discussion around counterfeit drinks, food safety regulations in Zimbabwe, and quality control standards in the beverage industry.

Delta Beverages Zimbabwe