By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Management of Pee Cee & Sons Ltd, one of Sierra Leone’s leading indigenous manufacturing and distribution companies, has strongly condemned as false, misleading and malicious the recent claims circulating on social media alleging that the company’s PADI products are expired and unsafe for public consumption.
The company’s reaction comes amid growing concerns over a disturbing trend in which certain individuals, posing as journalists, have been going around well-established business entities, making unverified and damaging allegations that these companies are dealing in expired goods.
According to reports, these impostors have developed the habit of targeting credible businesses, using social media platforms to spread misinformation for personal gain. However, it must be noted that oversight institutions such as the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau, the Consumer Protection Authority and the National Revenue Authority (NRA) are actively working with these business entities and would have raised alarm if such claims were true.
It has also been observed that in some cases, so-called expired products were items purchased long ago by individuals, stored improperly and later showcased as “evidence” after they had naturally expired. Several affected businesses have now vowed to take legal action against these fraudsters whose actions threaten the reputation and livelihood of compliant manufacturers.
Against this backdrop, Pee Cee & Sons Ltd reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy against expired or contaminated products, stressing that every item under the PADI brand, including PADI Malted Food Drink, PADI Milk Powder, PADI Cream Milk Powder, and PADI Hot Chocolate Drink, is produced under internationally recognized hygienic standards, certified by the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau, the Ministry of Trade and Industry and other competent regulatory agencies.
“Our company maintains a strict quality control system,” the Management stated. “Every product that leaves our factory is thoroughly checked and certified safe for consumption. The dates of manufacture and expiry are clearly printed and regularly verified by both our internal and external quality assurance teams.”
The Management further clarified that the photos and videos being circulated online were taken during routine marketing activities and bear no connection whatsoever to the alleged sale of expired products.
“We challenge anyone to produce credible evidence from an accredited authority proving that our products are unsafe,” the statement emphasized. “To date, no consumer, distributor or inspection agency has ever lodged such a complaint against Pee Cee & Sons Ltd.”
The company warned that fake and sensational reporting undermines public trust, distorts market confidence and discourages investment in local industries that are vital to Sierra Leone’s economic growth.
“Pee Cee & Sons stands as one of Sierra Leone’s most trusted brands, built on decades of consistency, integrity and service to the nation,” the release concluded. “We will not be distracted by falsehoods or propaganda. The truth about our quality speaks for itself.”
For over two decades, Pee Cee & Sons Ltd has maintained a solid reputation for producing high-quality beverages, milk powders and nutritional drinks that meet the needs of thousands of families nationwide. The company urged the public to disregard malicious claims and continue to place confidence in its PADI line of products, which remain safe, reliable and proudly made in Sierra Leone.
