A viral WhatsApp message falsely claims that the bottled water “DEW” caused 180 deaths in Tanzania and has been imported to Nigeria. DUBAWA investigated and found the claim to be false, lacking credible evidence and being previously debunked by NAFDAC in 2011. Bottled water imports are prohibited in Nigeria, further supporting this conclusion.
Recently, a viral WhatsApp message has generated alarm by claiming that the bottled water brand “DEW” has caused 180 deaths in Tanzania and has been shipped to Nigeria. This message urges individuals to avoid purchasing the product and to share the warning to allegedly prevent further fatalities. Social media’s influence has enabled the rapid spread of such misinformation, which can lead to unnecessary panic and market disruption.
DUBAWA conducted an investigation into this alarming claim. A keyword search revealed no credible information regarding “DEW bottled water.” Historical records indicate that similar allegations had emerged in 2011, where the National Agency for Food Administration and Control (NAFDAC) dismissed the rumors, confirming that no poisonous water was identified in Nigeria and that there were no hospitalizations or deaths tied to this product.
Further scrutiny of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) website showed that bottled water is prohibited for import into the country, reinforcing the false nature of the claim. Additionally, a thorough web search revealed no evidence of any DEW bottled water or associated fatalities in Tanzania or any other location.
This situation exemplifies the detrimental effects of health-related misinformation, especially within regions like Nigeria, which have previously faced serious issues with food and beverage safety. The ongoing spread of this false claim highlights the necessity for cautious evaluation of such alarming messages circulating on social media.
The recent claim regarding the DEW bottled water causing deaths in Tanzania and being imported to Nigeria is unfounded and lacks credible support. Historical evidence indicates that similar misinformation has been debunked by authorities like NAFDAC in 2011. Furthermore, the prohibition of bottled water imports into Nigeria, alongside the absence of any related fatalities, confirms that the claim is false and potentially harmful. Vigilance is essential in combating misinformation that can incite public fear.
Original Source: dubawa.org
