The Association of Table Water Producers (ATWAP), Sokoto state chapter, has sought the intervention of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) over contamination allegations.
ATWAP Chairman, Alhaji Nasiru Garka, led other members to the NAFDAC Office protesting the alleged ”false alarm” on Thursday in Sokoto.
Garka lamented that a false report of producing contaminated water and selling unregistered water by some of his members was circulated through online.
He described the report as a calculated attempt to sabotage their businesses and reduce their patronage for the benefits of similar entrepreneurs outside Sokoto state.
” The contain failed to substantiate the claims through contacting each of the production companies, check their compliances to standard practices according to Law, as well as getting the full facts on status of each company from NAFDAC Sokoto.
” The maker has no right to insist on seeing evidence of NAFDAC registration or renewal from a facilities, as these are privileged documents of the companies that pay their taxes as at when due.
” Maker ought to have report identified anomalies of facilities to NAFDAC or other statutory bodies for immediate attention, ” Garka said.
The branch chairman thanked NAFDAC Sokoto office for confirmation of the registration and renewal status of each of the companies mentioned by the maker.
” The satisfactory laboratory analysis from accredited NAFDAC laboratory have confirmed that the online report is false, malicious and misleading.
“Our members may have one or two issues with their operational guidelines, but NAFDAC is always there to regulate and guide us.
” Only clinical results by specialists, not everybody, could link a disease or certain disorder to the consumption of a particular product, ” he added.
Responding, NAFDAC Coordinator in Sokoto state, Mr Garba Adamu, appreciated the union members for the visit, and reiterated NAFDAC’s commitment as a proactive agency to safeguarding the health of the nation.
Adamu said NAFDAC undertakes professional services with quality management system and a real-time response to consumer complaints.
“ Is good for the maker as a citizen to come forward and tell us the specific factories with their problems, so that we can immediately take action.
” He ought to be more committed by non-biased investigations, cross check facts with all relevant regulatory agencies, clinical/laboratory procedures and professional ethics before publishing before circulating, ” Adamu said.
NAFDAC ensures routine inspections and surveillance, sanctions earring outlets with deficiencies and ensure compliance to regulations.
He appealed to the general public to always report violations by production companies as our records have showned committment and timely respond to such complaints in order to safeguard the health of the populace.
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