Debunking the False Claim of Poisonous DEW Bottled Water Linked to Deaths in Tanzania

A viral WhatsApp message claims that the bottled water “DEW” has caused 180 deaths in Tanzania and is now in Nigeria. This claim has been debunked by the National Agency for Food Administration and Control (NAFDAC), which found no evidence of such a product or fatalities. The Nigerian Customs Service indicates that bottled water importation is prohibited, supporting the assertion that the claim is unfounded.

A viral WhatsApp message claims that a bottled water brand, “DEW,” has caused the deaths of 180 individuals in Tanzania and has since arrived in Nigeria. The message warns Nigerians to avoid this product, stating that Nigerian Customs has urged the public to take precautions. Such alarming messages can incite fear, especially in a country that has experienced past beverage contamination issues.

DUBAWA embarked on an investigation following the widespread circulation of this claim. The analysis indicated no credible evidence supporting the assertion. A keyword search revealed that this allegation had resurfaced from 2011 when the National Agency for Food Administration and Control (NAFDAC) had previously debunked it. NAFDAC affirmed that no poisonous “DEW” water was in circulation in Nigeria during their investigations.

Further scrutiny of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) website showed that bottled water is listed as an item prohibited from being imported into Nigeria, reinforcing the falsehood of the claim. Additionally, there was no documentation of any deaths in Tanzania linked to this alleged brand of bottled water, nor could any information be corroborated regarding its existence.

The repeated nature of this misinformation illustrates the dangers associated with spreading unverified health-related claims. Social media platforms inadvertently facilitate such rumors, and it is imperative for individuals to seek out accurate information before acting on alarming messages. NAFDAC’s previous statements ensure public safety by clarifying the situation surrounding bottled water imports.

The alarming claim concerning the bottled water “DEW” causing fatalities is categorically false, as confirmed by DUBAWA’s investigation. Previous debunking by NAFDAC in 2011, alongside the Nigerian Customs prohibition on bottled water imports, underscores the invalidity of this information. Moreover, there have been no recorded deaths connected to this water brand in Tanzania, further validating the claim as misinformation.

Original Source: dubawa.org