In order to protect public health, the National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has closed many unlicensed sachet water producing companies in Anambra state.
According to Louis Mmadubuatta, NAFDAC’s Coordinator in Anambra, the targeted enterprises were discovered to be producing water in filthy conditions and failing to comply with regulatory norms.
Speaking to the press in Awka, Mmadubuatta emphasised that the closure of these facilities is part of the agency’s routine surveillance to ensure the public’s safety.
While keeping the specific locations confidential for strategic reasons, the NAFDAC Coordinator issued a stern warning to companies involved in illegal manufacturing of table water and other regulated products.
“We have visited a number of water factories that do not comply with good manufacturing standards, and such places are shut until they comply. The sealed places will remain closed until they respond to the regulatory action taken against them,” stated Mmadubuatta.
He urged them to register their products with NAFDAC promptly and emphasized the importance of renewing expired licenses.
“We are actively imposing sanctions against erring companies, and our commitment to regulatory enforcement remains steadfast,” added Mmadubuatta.
NAFDAC encouraged members of the public to play a role in ensuring the safety of table water products by providing information on illegal production activities in their neighborhoods.
Assuring anonymity to informants, Mmadubuatta emphasized the need for consumers to scrutinize product details, including the product name, production and expiry dates, NAFDAC number, and batch number. If any doubts arise, consumers are urged to contact the agency for clarification.