The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned sachet water producers against operating without proper registration or using expired licences.
The warning followed an enforcement operation carried out across several communities in Rivers State, including Asari Toru, Akuku Toru, Degema, and Ikwerre Local Government Areas.
During the exercise, the agency shut down 16 sachet water factories over multiple violations and invited their operators for questioning.
According to NAFDAC, the affected factories were discovered to be operating under unhygienic conditions, using unsafe filtration systems, providing false addresses, and, in some cases, running with expired licences.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the South-South Zone Public Relations Officer, Cyril Monye, the agency warned that illegal operators and anyone obstructing enforcement officials would face prosecution.
NAFDAC also encouraged residents to report suspicious or illegal water production activities in their communities.
According to the statement, “The sachet water factories include: Obra Bo Table Water, Abalama, Asari Toru LGA; Loilia Table Water, Okpo, Degema LGA; Jima Table Water, Obuama Harry Town, Degema LGA; and Inye Table Water, Obuama Harry Town, Degema LGA.”
The agency listed several other affected factories across Degema, Akuku Toru, and Ikwerre LGAs.
