*The Nigerian health regulatory agency charges packaged water manufacturers to comply with NAFDAC’s specifications and ensure quality packaging to protect the wellbeing of consumers

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

In order to ensure that laid down standards, procedures and requirements of regulated products are complied with, the National Agency for Food Drug and Administration (NAFDAC) says it will intensify efforts at tackling issues of substandard packaged water in Kaduna State of Nigeria.

Nasiru Mato, NAFDAC State Coordinator in Kaduna, said that the problem was to be blamed on some manufacturers operating without good manufacturing equipment in the state, agency report said.

Packaged water production plant in Nigeria   Photo: DayoAdetiloye.Com

Mato stated: “We have observed some packaged water carelessly sold in the market disregards basic good manufacturing practices required to guarantee quality packaging.

“Those who do not comply with the specifications will not be allowed to toy around with the health of consumers.”

The Kaduna State Coordinator of NAFDAC also noted the agency would continue its surveillance and routine checks to ensure adherence by packaged water manufacturers in the state.

He urged residents to only drink packaged water that had a label and date on them.

Packaged water, Mato noted, is only fit for consumption within two months of production, as he restated the agency’s continuous efforts at updating manufacturers on critical aspects of good manufacturing and sanitation had been very useful in making them maintain standards.

He further said: “We will also remain steadfast in advising the manufacturers on post-production handling of the products.”

According to him, the rise in temperature in the country, because of the impending dry season, could mean more demand for water in the coming days.

Mato added: “NAFDAC in Kaduna will continue to work around the clock to ensure that manufacturers of regulated products in the state do their businesses in compliance with laid down standards, procedures and requirements.

“If there are any major or critical lapses and violations, then we will have no option but to apply the appropriate sanctions.”