By Correspondent in Sango-Ota.
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In a major crackdown on criminal operations endangering public health, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down 39 illegal packaged water factories in Ogun State over the last five months.
Mr. Mawo Benu, the Ogun II State Coordinator for NAFDAC, revealed the details during a press briefing held on Wednesday in Sango-Ota.
According to him, the closures followed targeted investigations and enforcement activities carried out between February and early June.
“Out of 43 facilities inspected, 39 were found operating in violation of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). “These illegal and non-compliant operations were producing and distributing unregistered water products, putting millions at risk,”Benu stated.
He noted that the offences ranged from the use of fake NAFDAC registration numbers to manufacturing in unauthorized locations and swapping facilities without approval.
” Some operators were also caught producing water with expired licenses and packaging sizes not approved by regulatory standards,”
“These are not mere regulatory lapses they are crimes against public health,” Benu emphasized.
“NAFDAC has launched a full-scale crackdown and will ensure that those behind these illicit operations are prosecuted,”he further disclosed.
Benu expressed concern that even some registered producers had reverted to unhygienic practices, breaching the terms of their certification.
Such facilities, he said, have also been sanctioned and placed under surveillance.
He called on the public and stakeholders to support its efforts of NAFDAC by reporting any suspicious production sites or illegal activities.
“There is no hiding place for criminals endangering the health of our people,” Benu declared.
Our correspondent reports that NAFDAC’s latest move signals a renewed commitment to rooting out fraudulent producers and ensuring that only safe, properly regulated water reaches consumers in Ogun State and beyond.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
