The inspection was undertaken under LASCOPA’s mandate to protect consumers and assess the company’s production, packaging, transportation, storage, and distribution processes.
LASCOPA officials toured the facility and observed key stages of production, including bottle filling, capping, labelling and preparation for distribution. Some plastic packaging materials considered unsuitable for use had been set aside for disposal. CWAY explained that the discarded bottles are processed through a grinding machine and sold to plastic industries as raw materials, with records indicating an average of about 1,000 bottles discarded daily.
The Agency advised CWAY to ensure that all packaging materials are properly cleaned, maintained and fit for use. The Director, Scientific Investigation, Research and Development, LASCOPA, Mr. Suluka Raheem, also recommended suitable handles on the bottles to minimise slippage and improve safe handling.
Mr. Raheem further advised the company to establish an appropriate shelf-life period for bottles, after which they should be withdrawn from circulation, whether damaged or not. He also recommended stronger capacity-building and sensitisation for distributors on proper handling and storage, particularly the need to prevent exposure to direct sunlight during transportation.
Representing the General Manager/CEO of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo Esq., the Agency Board Secretary/ Head, Legal Mrs. Arinola Momoh - Ayokanmbi urged CWAY to adopt internationally recognised standards for the transportation, distribution and storage of its products. She also urged management to address the observations and implement the recommendations arising from the inspection.
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