Microbial Quality Management in Nigerian Food Processing Companies: A Case Study of Bottled Water Producers in Lagos

The bottled water industry in Nigeria is a major commercial sector supplying drinking water to urban populations, yet microbiological quality management within small and medium-scale bottled water producers remains inconsistently implemented. This study assesses microbial quality management systems in bottled water production companies in Lagos State, South West Nigeria, focusing on NAFDAC-registered producers in Ikorodu, Mushin, and Agege districts. A total of 15 production facilities were audited using a structured microbiological quality management assessment tool covering source water treatment, production line hygiene, finished product testing frequency, and staff training. Finished product water samples from each facility were tested for total coliform, faecal coliform, and heterotrophic plate count. Microbial quality management scores ranged from 38 to 87 percent of maximum, with nine facilities classified as inadequate. Coliform contamination was found in seven facilities' finished products, correlating significantly with low-quality management scores. Source water treatment efficacy and production line sanitation frequency were the strongest quality predictors. The study identifies infrequent third-party audits and low staff microbiological training as systemic gaps. Professional recommendations include mandatory quarterly third-party microbiological audits, staff certification in food microbiology basics, and NAFDAC enforcement of finished product release testing standards. Keywords: bottled water, microbial quality management, NAFDAC, Lagos, water safety