On Tuesday, March 25, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) sealed four table water production factories in Abuja and its surrounding areas for failing to meet Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.
The factories include Oral Water and Logistics Limited, producers of Yireh Yaweh Table Water in Jikwoyi, Le-Starlight Table Water, also in Jikwoyi, and Daraja Table Water and Iris Table Water and Beverages, producers of Siris Table Water, located in Karshi, Nasarawa.
Wilberforce-Glory Albert, the Subunit Head of NAFDAC’s Mararaba Office, explained that the inspection was prompted by concerns over the quality of water being produced by these factories. She highlighted several GMP violations, including the absence of pallets for stacking finished products, lack of a production manager to ensure compliance, and failure to meet basic hygiene and safety standards.
“In some factories, we found improper packaging materials, no building lights, and staff not properly kitted for production. Some facilities also didn’t have licenses to operate,” said Mrs. Albert.
This raid marks the beginning of broader enforcement actions, as NAFDAC recently established a new office called the Greater FCT, which will oversee regions including Mararaba, Keffi, Nyanya, Jikwoyi, and Kurudu. Mrs. Albert warned that producers of substandard products would face further investigation, emphasizing that the agency would continue its enforcement until all factories comply with GMP regulations.
“There is no hiding place for producers of substandard products. Everyone must do the right thing, obtain the necessary licenses, and produce under proper conditions,” she stressed.
Some of the sealed factories claimed to be registered with NAFDAC but failed to provide the required documentation. As part of the enforcement process, the factories must present relevant paperwork and pay any sanctions or investigation charges. If their licenses had expired, they would need to renew them.
NAFDAC is committed to investigating and taking action against illegal practices to ensure the production of safe, quality products.
