Microbiological Monitoring of Sachet Water Production Along the Value Chain in Anambra State

Microbiological contamination of sachet water can occur at any stage along the production-to-consumption value chain, including source water treatment, sealing, packaging, transportation, and retail storage. This study monitors microbial quality at five critical control points along the sachet water value chain in Anambra State, South East Nigeria, covering 10 NAFDAC-registered producers in Onitsha, Awka, and Nnewi. Sample collection at source water, post-treatment water, filled sachet before sealing, post-sealing sachet, and retail storage point was performed monthly for four months. Total coliform, faecal coliform, and heterotrophic plate count were determined at each stage. Source water showed 100 percent coliform absence after treatment in 9 of 10 plants. Post-treatment and pre-sealing contamination was detected in three plants, attributable to filling environment biofilm and inadequately sanitised equipment. Post-sealing retail contamination was found in four brands, correlating with sunlight exposure during street vending. The study maps contamination introduction points across the production chain and demonstrates that retail handling and storage negate treatment gains in a significant proportion of cases. Professional recommendations include mandatory cold chain retail storage, sealing machine weekly disinfection protocols, and chain-of-custody microbiological testing requirements in NAFDAC's sachet water regulatory framework for Anambra State. Keywords: sachet water, value chain, microbial monitoring, Anambra State, NAFDAC