Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has directed CWAY, a major bottled-water producer, to enhance its storage, distribution, and packaging practices after an inspection of its Lagos facility revealed non-compliance with safety protocols. The agency’s findings, disclosed in a report, highlight concerns over the handling of discarded plastic bottles and call for stricter adherence to hygiene and operational standards. The inspection, conducted in response to a viral social media video and consumer complaints, focused on CWAY’s production line, including bottle filling, capping, and labeling processes. Officials also reviewed the company’s storage and transportation procedures for finished products. During the audit, LASCOPA discovered plastic bottles marked for disposal due to quality issues. CWAY explained that these bottles were processed through a grinding machine and sold to plastic industries as raw materials, according to the agency’s report. LASCOPA’s Director of Scientific Investigation, Research and Development, Suluka Raheem, emphasized the need for improved packaging hygiene, stating that materials must be “properly cleaned, maintained, and fit for use.” He recommended that CWAY introduce handles on its bottles to reduce slipping risks and establish a shelf life for its products, ensuring all containers are removed from circulation after expiration, regardless of condition. Raheem also urged the company to train distributors on proper storage and transportation practices, including avoiding direct sunlight exposure during transit. Arinola Momoh-Ayokanmbi, LASCOPA’s Board Secretary and Head of Legal, representing the agency’s leadership, reiterated the importance of aligning with international standards for product handling. “CWAY must adopt globally recognized protocols for transportation, distribution, and storage,” she stated, adding that the company should address all inspection findings promptly. The agency’s recommendations aim to safeguard consumer health and ensure compliance with Nigeria’s packaged-water regulations. The inspection occurred amid existing national guidelines from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), which governs packaged-water facilities. NAFDAC’s regulations mandate hygiene measures to prevent contamination and require accurate product labeling. While LASCOPA did not confirm water contamination or labeling violations by CWAY, the agency stressed its mandate to protect consumer interests through proactive oversight. CWAY’s practices came under scrutiny after a TVC News report highlighted the discovery of discarded bottles. The company’s response, as noted in the inspection report, involved repurposing the waste for industrial use. However, LASCOPA’s findings underscored the need for greater transparency and stricter quality control measures to prevent potential risks to public health. LASCOPA’s actions reflect broader efforts to enforce consumer protection laws in Nigeria’s beverage sector. The agency’s statement emphasized its commitment to ensuring that products available in Lagos meet safety and quality benchmarks, reinforcing its role as a guardian of public welfare. The outcome of CWAY’s compliance with the recommendations will be critical in determining the long-term impact of this regulatory intervention.
LASCOPA Urges CWAY to Enhance Water Packaging Standards Amid Inspection Findings
LASCOPA Urges CWAY to Enhance Water Packaging Standards Amid Inspection Findings
Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has directed CWAY, a major bottled-water producer, to enhance its storage, distribution, and packaging practices after an inspection of its Lagos facility revealed non-compliance with safety protocols. The agency’s findings, disclosed in a report, highlight concerns over the handling of discarded plastic bottles and call for stricter adherence to hygiene and operational standards. The inspection, conducted in response to a viral social media video and consumer complaints, focused on CWAY’s production line, including bottle filling, capping, and labeling processes. Officials also reviewed the company’s storage and transportation procedures for finished products. During the audit, LASCOPA discovered plastic bottles marked for disposal due to quality issues. CWAY explained that these bottles were processed through a grinding machine and sold to plastic industries as raw materials, according to the agency’s report. LASCOPA’s Director of Scientific Investigation, Research and Development, Suluka Raheem, emphasized the need for improved packaging hygiene, stating that materials must be “properly cleaned, maintained, and fit for use.” He recommended that CWAY introduce handles on its bottles to reduce slipping risks and establish a shelf life for its products, ensuring all containers are removed from circulation after expiration, regardless of condition. Raheem also urged the company to train distributors on proper storage and transportation practices, including avoiding direct sunlight exposure during transit. Arinola Momoh-Ayokanmbi, LASCOPA’s Board Secretary and Head of Legal, representing the agency’s leadership, reiterated the importance of aligning with international standards for product handling. “CWAY must adopt globally recognized protocols for transportation, distribution, and storage,” she stated, adding that the company should address all inspection findings promptly. The agency’s recommendations aim to safeguard consumer health and ensure compliance with Nigeria’s packaged-water regulations. The inspection occurred amid existing national guidelines from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), which governs packaged-water facilities. NAFDAC’s regulations mandate hygiene measures to prevent contamination and require accurate product labeling. While LASCOPA did not confirm water contamination or labeling violations by CWAY, the agency stressed its mandate to protect consumer interests through proactive oversight. CWAY’s practices came under scrutiny after a TVC News report highlighted the discovery of discarded bottles. The company’s response, as noted in the inspection report, involved repurposing the waste for industrial use. However, LASCOPA’s findings underscored the need for greater transparency and stricter quality control measures to prevent potential risks to public health. LASCOPA’s actions reflect broader efforts to enforce consumer protection laws in Nigeria’s beverage sector. The agency’s statement emphasized its commitment to ensuring that products available in Lagos meet safety and quality benchmarks, reinforcing its role as a guardian of public welfare. The outcome of CWAY’s compliance with the recommendations will be critical in determining the long-term impact of this regulatory intervention.