The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has sealed two unapproved chemical and water companies in the Lafia and Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Matthew Adeoye, disclosed that the two firms specialised in the manufacturing of falsified and adulterated agrochemicals in an interview with Journalists in Lafia on Tuesday.
He explained that the two facilities were sealed for illegally operating in unhygienic environments without any form of registration.
Adeoye added that the facilities were raided during their routine surveillance activities by the agency’s Regulatory Officers following intelligence reports.
He said, “Both facilities specialised in the manufacturing of falsified and adulterated agrochemicals, and an unapproved packaged table water.
“Both companies were found operating without any approval and this illegality is a violation of NAFDAC Act CAP. F.33 LFN 2004.”
He further disclosed that some of the perpetrators had been apprehended and handed over to the police for investigations into their activities.
“The activities of these illegal manufacturers of falsified, adulterated agrochemicals have serious negative effects on farm produce.
“Such adulterated products from manufacturers like these when used, do not produce the desired result and cause economic losses, loss of livestock and resultant effects on humans.
“The packaged water facility was operating in an unhygienic condition and products were found produced with no due process being followed in the treatment procedures as outlined by NAFDAC requirements.
“And consumption of this kind of packaged water could lead to waterborne diseases of varying degrees,” he added.
The NAFDAC State Coordinator further affirmed that the facilities would remain sealed and prohibited from further production, adding that their production equipment had been confiscated by the agency.
He also called on members of the public to report the activities of unregistered producers, distributors and retailers of adulterated NAFDAC-regulated products within their domain for prompt action.
He, therefore, advised manufacturers to comply with the agency’s regulations in registering their products to avoid litigations or closure of their business premises.
