Rumors about Batook chewing gum have circulated not only on Internet websites but also via text messages for over six months. The person behind the rumor claims to be a pharmacist employed at Madinah’s Uhud Hospital.
Refuting the claim, the company paid for adverts to be published in local Arabic newspapers saying the rumors are untrue and that its products are approved by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, the Saudi Standards and Quality Organization, the Saudi Dental Association and Aspartame Information Center.
Bader Omar, assisting marketing manager at Batook, said the company has consulted Uhud Hospital, which has denied that any of its staff is behind the statement. He added that Dr. Fahad Al-Khudairi, head of the Cancerous Substances Department at King Faisal Specialist Hospital, has also denied warning about the gum.
“We have confirmed information that the gum is safe and harmless,” said Omar, who attributed the rumor to ‘competition.’ He added that rumor has affected some people whereas others have not given it much interest and that sales have not been affected.
Omar said the company has been slow in clarifying the matter and that it aims to regain the trust of its customers. Commenting on the claim that aspartame in the gum causes severe nerve complications if used regularly, Omar said, “The percentage of the aspartame in the gum is very little compared to other food and drug products.”
He added that the company has requested government departments to protect its rights and bring those responsible for the rumor to book, but it has not received any feedback so far.
Lawyer Khalid Abu Rashid said if products or companies are defamed on the Internet then there is a need to first identify those responsible — if it is a website which could be closed or a person in a forum who could be taken to task.