Accra: An unlicensed sachet water production facility located at Amasaman-Amafrom in the Ga West Municipality has been shut down by officials of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA). The facility, which produces sachet water under the brand name Harmatan Natural Mineral Water, was found to be operating without a valid licence.
According to Ghana Web, videos showed FDA officials entering the compound of the facility to begin their inspection as part of the enforcement exercise. The inspection revealed that one of the dug-out wells used by the facility had what appeared to be green mould floating on the surface, and the well was seen in poor sanitary condition, raising concerns about the quality of water being used for production.
Inside the production area, the facility appeared unkempt, with weedicide lying around the premises close to where the sachet water was being produced. A polytank and what looked like pumping machines used for the production process were also observed within the facility.
In a related development, the FDA also clamped down on another sachet water production facility at Ashongman for similar sanitary concerns. The company, which produces sachet water under the brand name Virgen Natural Mineral Water, was also operating without a licence. Videos from this facility showed sachet water products placed directly on bare floors, while some of the equipment appeared dirty and poorly maintained.