The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed 16 sachet water factories in Rivers State over alleged violations of health and safety regulations. The affected factories are located in Asari Toru, Akuku Toru, Degema and Ikwerre Local Government Areas of the state.
South-South Zonal Director of NAFDAC, Mr. Chukwuma Oligbu, said the enforcement exercise was aimed at curbing the production of unregistered sachet water and ensuring compliance with approved standards.
He explained that some of the factories were operating with expired licences, while others failed to meet basic hygienic requirements. According to him, owners of the affected factories have been directed to report to the agency for further investigation.
Among the factories shut down were Obra Bo Table Water, Lolila Table Water, Jima Table Water, Inye Table Water and Piasso Table Water. Others include Imumsco Table Water, Granpa Table Water, Daa Ajuka Table Water and Diob Table Water.
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In Ikwerre Local Government Area, NAFDAC also sealed AQUA-TOBSON Table Water, DUCO Table Water, CHISODEK Table Water and NEO BRAIN Table Water.
The agency listed the violations to include poor sanitary conditions, dirty filters, use of unsuitable materials as filters, labelling irregularities and incorrect factory addresses.
Oligbu warned producers against obstructing NAFDAC officials during inspections, stressing that offenders risk arrest and prosecution. He also urged residents to report illegal production and sale of unregistered NAFDAC-regulated products in their communities.
