A viral WhatsApp message falsely claims that a bottled water brand called “DEW” has caused 180 deaths in Tanzania and has been shipped to Nigeria. DUBAWA’s investigation found no credible evidence to support this claim and revealed its debunking by NAFDAC in 2011.
Recent health-related misinformation has emerged cautioning against a bottled water brand named “DEW,” suggesting its involvement in 180 deaths in Tanzania, with purported shipments to Nigeria. This alarming message, circulated widely on social media platforms, particularly WhatsApp, has prompted concerns about public safety. The message claims Nigerian Customs has issued warnings against the consumption of this water, urging individuals to share the information to prevent potential harm.
DUBAWA has investigated this claim, finding it to be false and without credible evidence. The organization conducted keyword searches and discovered that this allegation dates back to 2011 when the National Agency for Food Administration and Control (NAFDAC) officially debunked it. NAFDAC affirmed through investigations that no reports of poisoning or fatalities due to DEW water had surfaced within Nigeria.
Further verification involved examining the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) website, which confirmed that bottled water is on the import prohibition list, thereby negating the possibility of DEW being shipped to Nigeria. No records of deaths linked to the DEW bottled water have been found in Tanzania or elsewhere, underscoring the claim’s baselessness.
In summary, the warning regarding DEW bottled water is an unfounded reiteration of earlier false claims. NAFDAC has previously clarified that such a product does not exist within Nigeria, and import regulations prevent bottled water from entering the country. Additionally, no incidents of illness or death related to this product have been documented.
In conclusion, the claims surrounding DEW bottled water and its supposed link to deaths in Tanzania and subsequent shipping to Nigeria are entirely unfounded. NAFDAC has previously dismissed similar assertions as false, affirming that no such product is present in the country. Furthermore, import regulations prohibit bottled water from entering Nigeria, eliminating the possibility of the claim being true. Individuals should remain vigilant against misinformation and verify claims before spreading panic.
Original Source: dubawa.org
