Kidney and Liver Disease Concerns: NSCDC Uncovers Alleged Illegal Juice Factory in Lagos

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, has uncovered an alleged illegal juice production facility in Badagry, Lagos State, leading to the arrest of two women.

The facility was uncovered on Monday, September 21, during an operation by the NSCDC. The identities of the two suspects were withheld as investigations continue.

NSCDC Raises Concern Over Juice Distribution

Speaking to journalists after the operation, the Civil Defence Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Command, SC Oluwaseun Abolurin, said the facility allegedly supplied packaged juice to markets across Lagos.

According to him, already-packaged products were found at the premises, with some reportedly loaded into container vehicles for distribution.

Abolurin also alleged that juveniles between the ages of 15 and 16 were involved in activities at the facility.

Sugar, Dyes and Other Materials Recovered

The NSCDC said items recovered from the facility included sugar, water, adhesives, dyes and colourants, which it alleged were being used in the production process.

The Corps did not, however, establish in the statement that consumption of the products had caused kidney or liver disease. Such a health link would require evidence from appropriate regulatory or medical authorities

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Suspect Says Factory Has Operated for Years

During questioning, one of the suspects reportedly said the factory was established by her grandmother and had operated for nearly 20 years before shutting down because of challenges.

She claimed the business was working towards renewing its registration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and produced juice only about three or four times a year based on customer orders.

NSCDC Begins Investigation

The NSCDC said investigations into the facility and the activities of those arrested are ongoing.

The Corps said the suspects would be charged to court after the completion of the investigation.

The development highlights concerns over the production and distribution of packaged food and beverages outside the relevant regulatory framework, particularly where products are intended for sale to consumers across a major commercial centre such as Lagos.