Naija, let’s talk real quick. You know that moment when the sun is blazing, you’re at a party, owambe, or just chilling after work, and you grab a cold can of Coke, Maltina, Fanta, or Sprite straight from the cooler? You pull the tab and drink straight from it without a second thought. Many of us have been doing this for years.
But here’s something you need to start doing differently: always clean the top of the can before you drink.
Those cans don’t go from the factory straight to your hand in a sterile bubble. They travel long distances, sit in warehouses, get stacked in shops, and sometimes end up in places where pests have easy access. We’re talking cockroaches, rats, and other insects that can crawl over them, leave droppings, or worse.
It’s not just dust we’re dealing with. In some storage spots, especially in our humid climate, these cans become little playgrounds for germs. You might not see it, but that rim where your mouth touches could be carrying bacteria that cause stomach upset, running stomach, or even food poisoning.
How many times have you or someone you know left an event feeling sick the next day and blamed the food or “maybe the weather”? It could just as easily be from sipping directly from a contaminated can top. The same goes for dirty plates at parties – those ones we sometimes collect without checking properly.
Simple Steps to Protect Yourself
It doesn’t have to be complicated:
- Use water or wipes: Before opening, rinse the top under clean running water or wipe it thoroughly with a clean napkin, tissue, or disinfectant wipe.
- Pour it out: The safest option is to pour the drink into a clean cup or glass. That way, you avoid the lid completely.
- At events: Be extra careful. Those coolers at parties and street corners see a lot of handling. If soap and water are available, give it a proper wash.
This small habit takes just a few seconds but can save you days of discomfort and unnecessary hospital visits.
We’re not saying canned drinks are bad – far from it. They’re convenient and refreshing, especially in this Naija heat. But like we wash fruits and vegetables before eating, we should treat our drink cans with the same respect.
Next time you buy that chilled can, pause for a moment, clean the top, and drink with peace of mind. Share this with your friends and family too – because good hygiene is something we all need to spread in 2026 and beyond.
Stay safe, stay refreshed, and make better choices, one can at a time.
What do you think? Do you already clean your cans, or is this news to you? Drop your thoughts in the comments.**
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