NAFDAC seals illegal water, rice factories in Abuja, arrests unlicensed chemical producer

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) has sealed up MZEE Table Water, an illegal packaged water factory in the Damangaza district of the Federal Capital Territory.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the agency said the water factory was shut down for operating under unhygienic conditions.

NAFDAC also stated that the water factory was operating with a fake and expired license.

In addition, the facility where the table water was being produced lacked basic requirements such as a certified borehole and water treatment system.

Similarly, agents of NAFDAC on a patrol in the FCT also shut down a counterfeit rice operation at a shopping plaza opposite the World Trade Centre, Abuja.

The agency said the operators were caught re-bagging popular brands, packaging materials, and sealing machines worth over N60 million.

These items the agency said were seized from the operators while a man Ikechukwu Elijah was arrested.

An unlicensed chemical producer, Elijah was arrested in the Apo-Waru area of Abuja.

He specialises in manufacturing and distributing hazardous, counterfeit, and unregistered chemicals across the territory and its environs.

“The suspect, who operated an illegal factory in a residential building, was apprehended alongside his younger brother after NAFDAC operatives uncovered counterfeit insecticides, sealing machines, and other equipment at the premises.

“The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, reaffirms the Agency’s commitment to ensuring Nigerians consume only safe food and medicines. She urges the public to avoid unregulated products and report suspicious activities, adding that all suspects will face prosecution,” the statement said.

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