The management of National Beverage, Inc., producers of Diamond Mineral Water, has issued a forceful rebuttal against what it calls “malicious and misleading” media reports circulating on social media. The reports, which resurfaced an old video allegedly showing unsanitary conditions at the company’s production site, have sparked public concern, but the beverage firm insists the claims are false, debunked years ago, and part of a smear campaign.
The controversial video, recorded several years ago inside the company’s facility by unidentified individuals, recently reappeared on Facebook and other platforms. Some media outlets presented it as new evidence of unsafe practices, even suggesting that Diamond Mineral Water was being re-bottled from contaminated sources.
National Beverage, Inc. has condemned the reports as “irresponsible propaganda,” emphasizing that the allegations were thoroughly investigated and dismissed by Liberian authorities in 2023.
In September 2023, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) launched an inquiry after similar concerns were raised on a talk show. A team of inspectors, including officials from the National Standards Laboratory (NSL), conducted an unannounced assessment of the company’s operations.
The NSL’s final report, released on September 25, 2023, confirmed that Diamond Mineral Water met all national health and safety standards. The Ministry later issued a written commendation, signed by then-Deputy Minister for Industry Hon. Thomas G. Goba, Sr., declaring the product safe for consumption.
Despite this, the resurfaced video has reignited doubts among some consumers, a move National Beverage, Inc. attributes to “bad-faith actors seeking to damage our reputation.”
In a strongly worded statement, the company warned media outlets and social media users against spreading the “discredited” claims, threatening legal action if the misinformation continues.
“We will not stand by while malicious actors manipulate old footage to deceive the public,” the statement read. “Diamond Mineral Water has been, and remains, a trusted brand that adheres to the highest safety standards.”
The company reassured customers of its commitment to quality, calling the product “Liberia’s best water” and urging the public to disregard what it describes as a “coordinated attack.”
While some social media users have expressed skepticism, others have defended the company, pointing to the 2023 government clearance.
“If the Ministry confirmed the water was safe two years ago, why are we recycling old rumors?” asked one Facebook user. Others, however, demanded “transparency” and called for a new investigation.
For now, National Beverage, Inc. remains steadfast, vowing to protect its brand and reputation through legal means if necessary.
