NAFDAC Shuts 16 Illegal Sachet Water Factories in Rivers

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed no fewer than 16 sachet water factories across parts of Rivers State over alleged violations ranging from operating without licences to poor sanitary conditions.

The enforcement exercise, carried out in four local government areas of the state, affected facilities located in Asari-Toru, Akuku-Toru, Degema and Ikwerre councils.

South-South Zonal Director of NAFDAC, Chukwuma Oligbu, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday through the agency’s Public Relations Officer in the zone, Cyril Monye.

According to the agency, several of the affected factories were found operating with expired licences, unhygienic production environments, faulty filtration systems and improper labelling practices.

NAFDAC said some operators even resorted to using handkerchief materials as filters during production, a development the agency described as dangerous to public health.

Among the facilities shut down were Obra Bo Table Water in Abalama, Loilia Table Water in Okpo, Jima Table Water in Obuama Harry Town, Inye Table Water, Obuta Table Water, S.P. Nimi Table Water, Soaltam Table Water and Piasso Table Water, all located within Degema and neighbouring communities.

Others include Imumsco Table Water along the Port Harcourt–Degema Road, Granpa Table Water, Daa Ajuka Table Water and Diob Table Water in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area.

In Ikwerre Local Government Area, the agency sealed AQUA-TOBSON Table Water, DUCO Table Water, CHISODEK Table Water and NEO BRAIN Table Water factories.

Oligbu warned operators of unregistered sachet water businesses to immediately regularise their operations or risk prosecution and permanent closure.

“The operation led to the closure of 16 sachet water factories while their owners were invited to the NAFDAC office,” he stated.

He also cautioned against locating water factories within filling stations, stressing that such practice violates NAFDAC regulations and poses serious safety concerns.

The agency further warned that obstructing officials during enforcement operations constitutes an offence punishable under the law establishing NAFDAC.

Oligbu assured residents that the agency would continue surveillance activities across Rivers State to curb the production and circulation of unsafe regulated products.

He urged members of the public to report suspicious production activities and the sale of unregistered products to the agency for prompt action.

NAFDAC has intensified nationwide crackdowns on fake, substandard and unregistered food and beverage products in recent years as part of efforts to strengthen public health protection and consumer safety.