NAFDAC begins nationwide mop-up of banned sachet, small-bottle alcoholic drinks
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced a nationwide enforcement operation to remove alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles below 200 millilitres from circulation.
The exercise is in line with the Federal Government’s ban on the production, importation, distribution, sale and use of alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and small plastic or glass bottles.
NAFDAC disclosed the development in a post on its official X handle on Wednesday, stating that the operation is being carried out simultaneously across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
The agency said the mop-up exercise follows the closure of non-compliant manufacturing facilities and forms part of its ongoing efforts to safeguard public health and curb harmful alcohol consumption.
Earlier, in January, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, explained that the enforcement of the ban was introduced to protect children and young people rather than punish manufacturers.
She noted that the policy was informed by public health concerns and growing evidence linking alcohol packaged in sachets and containers below 200 millilitres to rising cases of underage drinking across the country.
According to the agency, enforcement teams have been deployed to markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars and other distribution channels to identify, seize and remove the banned products from circulation.
NAFDAC warned manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, transporters and other stakeholders to immediately surrender any remaining stock, stressing that continued possession or sale of the prohibited products constitutes a violation of the law and could attract seizure, regulatory sanctions and prosecution.
“The enforcement exercise is aimed at reducing underage drinking, harmful alcohol consumption and substance abuse, particularly among children and young people,” the agency said.
It also urged members of the public to support the exercise by refraining from purchasing banned alcoholic beverages and reporting anyone involved in the production, distribution or sale of the prohibited products to the nearest NAFDAC office.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health and ensuring strict compliance with regulations governing the manufacture and distribution of alcoholic beverages in Nigeria.