Sachet water quality and product registration: a cross-sectional study in Accra, Ghana.

A Hill,G Aryeetey,G Fink,J Wright,M Dzodzomenyo,N Coleman,N Wardrop,W Dotse-Gborgbortsi

doi:10.2166/wh.2018.055

Abstract

The study's objectives were to assess the extent to which packaged water producers follow product registration procedures and to assess the relationship between product registration and drinking water quality in Accra, Ghana. Following preliminary analysis of a national water quality survey, 118 packaged sachet water samples were collected by sampling all brands sold by 66 vendors. A sample of vendors was selected from two high-income and two low-income areas of Accra, Ghana. Sachet packaging and labelling details were recorded and compared to a regulatory database to assess product registration. All samples were weighed and tested for faecal indicator bacteria and selected physico-chemical parameters. Product registration numbers and brand names could be matched to regulatory records for 77 of 118 sachets (65.2%). All samples tested were compliant with national water quality standards for faecal indicator bacteria and nitrate. Brand registration was not associated with any of the quality indicators considered. The results of this study suggest that while a substantial proportion of sachet water is sold without formal product registration, the microbial quality of the unlicensed water is consistently high in Accra, Ghana. Further examination of regulatory enforcement and monitoring will be needed to ensure sustained high water quality over time.

Highlights

Packaged drinking water consumption is growing rapidly in West Africa and in other low- and lower-middle-income countries (Rodwan )
Drinking water standards and guidelines are provided by the Codex Alimentarius Commission of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
To examine the suggestion that unregistered brands are more likely to be sold cheaply in poorer neighbourhoods (Stoler et al ), we examine the relationship between brand registration with the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), price and neighbourhood deprivation for the enumeration areas (EAs) at point-of-sale using logistic regression

Summary

Introduction

Packaged drinking water consumption is growing rapidly in West Africa and in other low- and lower-middle-income countries (Rodwan ). Sachet water, drinking water (typically 500 mL) sold in heat-sealed plastic sleeves, has proved a popular supplement to piped water among. Drinking water standards and guidelines are provided by the Codex Alimentarius Commission of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). These standards differentiate packaged drinking water, typically originating from piped

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Conclusion