LASCOPA Orders CWAY to Enhance Water Packaging Standards

The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has mandated CWAY to improve its bottled water handling, packaging, transportation, and storage practices after an unscheduled inspection was prompted by a viral social media video and consumer complaints. The inspection assessed various production stages, including filling, capping, and labeling.

LASCOPA found that CWAY discarded approximately 1,000 bottles daily, which were processed for recycling, but did not indicate any contamination. Recommendations included implementing a defined shelf life for bottles, enhancing cleaning and maintenance of packaging materials, and providing suitable handles on bottles to improve safety.

Suluka Raheem, Director of Scientific Investigation, Research and Development at LASCOPA, emphasized the need for better training for distributors to prevent exposure to sunlight and ensure proper handling. Arinola Momoh-Ayokanmbi, representing LASCOPA's General Manager, urged CWAY to adopt international standards in its operations.