…flags packaging and handling concerns

By Emmanuel Daniji

Following a viral social media video and complaints from consumers, the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has carried out an unscheduled inspection of CWAY’s water production facility in Lagos.

The inspection came after a meeting between the agency and CWAY officials over concerns raised about the company’s bottled water. LASCOPA said the exercise was aimed at examining the company’s production, packaging, transportation, storage and distribution processes.

During the inspection, officials toured different stages of the production process, including bottle filling, capping, labelling and the preparation of finished products for distribution.

They also examined the plastic packaging materials used by the company.

Some bottles considered unsuitable for use had been separated and kept for disposal. CWAY explained that the discarded bottles are passed through a grinding machine and sold to plastic industries for use as raw materials.

Records presented during the inspection indicated that about 1,000 bottles are discarded by the company on an average day.

LASCOPA, however, advised CWAY to ensure that all packaging materials are properly cleaned, maintained and fit for use before they are used for products meant for consumers.

The agency’s Director of Scientific Investigation, Research and Development, Suluka Raheem, also recommended that the company consider adding suitable handles to its bottles to reduce the possibility of them slipping during handling and transportation.

Raheem further called on CWAY to establish an appropriate shelf-life for its bottles, after which they should be withdrawn from circulation regardless of whether they appear damaged or not.

He also recommended stronger training and sensitisation for distributors, particularly on the proper transportation and storage of bottled water.

One of the concerns highlighted was exposure to direct sunlight during transportation, with the agency urging distributors to ensure that products are handled and stored under appropriate conditions.

Representing LASCOPA General Manager and CEO Afolabi Solebo, the agency’s Board Secretary and Head of Legal, Arinola Momoh-Ayokanmbi, urged CWAY to adopt internationally recognised standards for transporting, distributing and storing its products.

She also asked the company to address the observations made during the inspection and implement the recommendations issued by the agency.

The inspection does not amount to a declaration by LASCOPA that CWAY water is unsafe. Rather, the agency said the exercise was part of its consumer protection responsibility following complaints and the viral video, with the focus on examining the company’s operations and identifying areas requiring improvement.

CWAY, which describes its water business as focused on producing clean and hygienic water, says its production processes undergo periodic reviews and certifications by relevant regulatory authorities.

LASCOPA said it would continue to protect the health, safety and interests of consumers while working with manufacturers to ensure that products available to Lagos residents are handled and distributed in line with appropriate standards.