The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in collaboration with Emani Global Network (EGNL) has commenced on the spot analysis of packaged water in Rivers state with mini mobile laboratory in other to ascertain the quality/standard of packaged water been sold to the public.
The Chief Executive Officer of ENGL Mr. Emmanuel Osiegbu, a renowned international consultant; said that the exercise is geared towards safe-guarding public health due to unsatisfactory results of NAFDAC laboratory analysis of some registered packaged water in the country.
“Laboratory analysis of packaged waters by NAFDAC has shown that some packaged waters in the country are below standard without the right Ph, acidity, lead and other parameters. This exercise will find out and address all the shortcomings observed and proffer solutions where necessary,” Osiegbu stated.
He said that most packaged water producers lack mini lab in their facilities to ascertain the quality of water been produced adding that the exercise has the backing of the National Assembly’s committee on Health and will be conducted throughout the federation.
The exercise which will be annually has been conducted in South-South states of Delta, Edo, Akwa Ibom and Cross River among other states in the country.
NAFDAC coordinator in Rivers State Mrs. Mercy Ndukwe said that the annual water monitoring exercise is mandatory for all packaged water products in Nigeria and charged producers in Rivers state (sachet and bottle water) to participate adding that this is to ensure that safe and wholesome water is given out to the public.
“All packaged water producers (about 400) in Rivers State are expected to take part in this exercise and this will exempt them from going to public analyst during the renewal of their products.
Sanctions will be meted out to those whose products were not analyzed which may include shorting down of the affected water factory and or withdrawal of NAFDAC license”, Ndukwe warned.
She said that “NAFDAC has been waging a relentless war against unwholesome water producers in the state and will not hesitate to clamp down on any producer who compromises standards.”
The chairman of Association of Table Water Producers (ATWAP) Rivers State chapter, Engr. Alex Erekosima lauded the initiative and urged his members to cooperate with NAFDAC to make the exercise a huge success. He implores water producers in the state to maintain proper GMP and adhere to laid down standard to prevent water borne diseases.
