NAFDAC shuts water factories in Rivers over poor hygiene, expired licences and production of unregistered sachet water

National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has shut down 16 sachet water factories across Rivers State over alleged regulatory violations, including operating without valid licences and producing water under unsafe hygienic conditions.

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The enforcement operation was carried out in Port Harcourt and several local government areas of the state, according to the agency’s South-South Zonal Director, Chukwuma Oligbu, who disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday.

The statement, signed by NAFDAC Public Relations Officer for the South-South Zone, Cyril Monye, said the affected local government areas included Asari-Toru, Akuku-Toru, Degema and Ikwerre.

The NAFDAC shuts water factories operation targeted producers accused of manufacturing unregistered sachet water, operating with expired licences and violating basic health and safety regulations.

Among the factories shut down were Obra Bo Table Water in Abalama, Loilia Table Water in Okpo, Jima Table Water in Obuama Harry Town, and Inye Table Water, also located in Obuama Harry Town.

Others affected included Obuta Table Water, S.P. Nimi Table Water, Soaltam Table Water, Piasso Table Water, Imumsco Table Water, Granpa Table Water, Daa Ajuka Table Water and Diob Table Water.

In Ikwerre Local Government Area, NAFDAC also shut AQUA-TOBSON Table Water, DUCO Table Water, CHISODEK Table Water and NEO BRAIN Table Water.

Oligbu described the violations uncovered during the exercise as disturbing, noting that some factories operated with dirty filters, poor sanitary conditions and improper production processes.

The zonal director revealed that some producers allegedly used handkerchiefs as water filters, while others operated with expired licences, labelling defects and inaccurate factory addresses.

Oligbu warned sachet water producers against continuing the production of unregistered packaged water, stressing that operators with expired permits must immediately begin renewal processes or risk severe sanctions.

The agency also cautioned against locating water factories within filling stations, describing the practice as a serious breach of NAFDAC regulations.

“NAFDAC will not hesitate to permanently shut down such factories if found,” Oligbu stated.

The official further warned that obstructing NAFDAC officers during lawful enforcement activities constitutes an offence punishable under the law.

He said the agency remained determined to eliminate clandestine production of unsafe regulated products across all parts of Rivers State.

The NAFDAC shuts water factories crackdown comes amid intensified nationwide enforcement efforts aimed at curbing the circulation of counterfeit, unsafe and unwholesome food and drink products.

Oligbu urged members of the public to report suspicious production activities and the sale of unregistered products to the agency for swift intervention.

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The agency said stronger collaboration between regulators and residents remains critical to protecting public health and preventing unsafe products from reaching consumers.