The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has taken action against four table water factories for failing to meet hygiene and safety standards. The agency sealed the facilities and summoned their operation managers for further investigation.
Why NAFDAC Took Action
The affected factories include Oral Water and Logistics Limited, which produces Yireh Yaweh Table Water, and Le-Starlight Table Water, both located in Jikwoyi, Abuja. Others are Daraja Table Water and Iris Table Water and Beverages, which produces Siris Table Water in the Karshi, Nasarawa axis of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
During an enforcement raid in Abuja, NAFDAC officials found that these factories failed to follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Wilberforce-Glory Albert, the Subunit Head of NAFDAC’s Mararaba Office, explained that the quality of water produced raised serious concerns, leading to immediate enforcement measures.
Key Violations Found
Several major lapses were discovered at these factories. Some lacked proper storage pallets for stacking finished products, while others operated without a production manager to oversee compliance. Additionally, some factories had no operating licenses, used substandard packaging, had poor lighting, and employed staff who were not properly dressed for hygienic production.
“These issues made it necessary to seal the facilities and invite their managers for questioning,” Mrs. Albert stated. She added that this operation is just the beginning, as NAFDAC has set up a new office to oversee areas like Mararaba, Keffi, Nyanya, Jikwoyi, and Kurudu under the FCT Directorate.
Tougher Regulations Ahead
Mrs. Albert warned other water producers in the region to comply with GMP standards, stressing that enforcement actions will continue. “This is just the start. We will not stop until all factories meet the required standards,” she said.
She also revealed that some of the closed factories claimed to be registered with NAFDAC but failed to provide proof. As a result, they were asked to present all necessary documents at the agency’s office for verification.
