The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has reportedly uncovered an unregistered juice production facility in Badagry, Lagos State, where officials found the operators allegedly producing and packaging “Barkas Juice” under unhygienic conditions.
The operation reportedly led to the arrest of two women, aged 48 and 50, who were allegedly involved in the production of the drinks.
During the raid, NSCDC officials reportedly recovered quantities of packaged drinks, industrial sugar, synthetic dyes, chemical colourants and other materials believed to have been used in the production process. Machinery used for the preparation and packaging of the drinks was also reportedly seized.
Authorities also raised concerns over the registration status of the products, with officials reportedly discovering what they described as a fake National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration.
The raid reportedly took place in Badagry as part of efforts by authorities to clamp down on illegal production facilities and protect consumers from products manufactured without the required regulatory approvals.
According to reports from the operation, officials also raised concerns over the possible involvement of minors in the activities at the facility. Two juveniles, reportedly aged 15 and 16, were said to have been present or possibly involved in the production process.
One of the arrested women reportedly explained that the business was a family enterprise that had been passed down through generations. She was said to have claimed that the factory was started by her grandmother about 20 years ago.
However, the explanation did not prevent the authorities from taking action as investigations into the operation continued.
The discovery has renewed concerns over the activities of unregistered food and beverage producers who operate outside established regulatory requirements. Such facilities can pose consumer-safety concerns when production takes place without appropriate hygiene standards, quality controls and regulatory oversight.
The NSCDC is expected to continue its investigation into the facility, including the source and authenticity of the alleged NAFDAC registration, the production process and the circumstances surrounding the presence of the minors.
The two suspects are expected to face further legal proceedings if investigations establish violations of relevant laws and regulations.
The development has also generated calls for stronger monitoring of small-scale food and beverage producers, particularly in communities where unregistered factories may operate away from public scrutiny.
The incident serves as another reminder of the importance of checking the registration and authenticity of packaged food and drinks before purchasing or consuming them.
Video Credit: CityMood Badagry
