NAFDAC: In a bid to uphold regulatory standards and ensure public safety, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has taken stringent action against two water-packaging companies operating illegally in Ota, Ogun State. The errant companies were found to be producing and packaging water products without obtaining the requisite approval from NAFDAC, a critical regulatory requirement.
The crackdown was initiated following routine inspections conducted by NAFDAC’s regulatory officers stationed at the Ogun 2 office in Ota. These inspections revealed that the two companies were blatantly disregarding NAFDAC’s registration protocols, prompting the agency to take swift action.
According to Mr. Philip Benu, the State Coordinator for NAFDAC’s Ogun 2 Office in Ota, the companies failed to meet the stringent requirements set forth by the agency for registration and licensing. As a result, their facilities were promptly sealed, and the companies were summoned to the NAFDAC office for further scrutiny.
However, the defiant companies chose to ignore the agency’s directives, removing the seals placed at the entrances of their facilities and resuming production of unregistered water products. Compounding their offenses, these companies brazenly affixed fake NAFDAC registration numbers on their products, attempting to deceive consumers and evade regulatory oversight.
Mr. Benu emphasized the gravity of the situation, highlighting that the companies were operating in unsanitary and unhygienic conditions, posing significant health risks to consumers. He stressed that producing any registered packaged product requires adherence to strict guidelines set by NAFDAC, including the establishment of a suitable facility that meets the agency’s minimum requirements.
Moreover, Mr. Benu clarified that obtaining a NAFDAC registration number is a multi-step process that involves site inspections, product testing in NAFDAC’s laboratories, and continuous monitoring to ensure compliance with regulations. He expressed dismay at the actions of some producers who attempt to circumvent these crucial safeguards by setting up operations in makeshift facilities without proper approvals.
In response to the flagrant violations, NAFDAC took decisive action, sealing the facilities and confiscating the production machinery used by the two companies. Mr. Benu made it clear that the enforcement exercise would be ongoing, leaving no room for illegal producers to operate unchecked.
He urged all manufacturers to desist from such unlawful practices and to register with NAFDAC’s Ota office, emphasizing that there would be severe consequences for those caught flouting regulations. NAFDAC remains vigilant, employing surveillance measures to identify and apprehend any individuals or companies engaging in the production of unapproved products.
Mr. Benu’s stern warning served as a reminder that NAFDAC is unwavering in its commitment to protecting public health and upholding the integrity of the food and drug industry. The agency’s crackdown on the two water-packaging companies underscores its determination to root out non-compliant operators and ensure that consumers have access to safe and properly regulated products.
As the custodian of food and drug safety in Nigeria, NAFDAC’s actions send a clear message that it will not tolerate any attempts to circumvent regulations or compromise public well-being. The agency remains resolute in its mission to safeguard the nation’s health, taking decisive steps to identify and penalize those who violate the established norms and endanger the lives of citizens.
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tribuneonline By Agency