NAFDAC begins mop-up of banned sachet, small-bottle alcoholic drinks nationwide
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 PET bottles below 200ml from circulation.
In January, NAFDAC said its enforcement of the ban on alcoholic beverages in sachets and small plastic or glass bottles was aimed at protecting children and young people, not punishing manufacturers.
Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC director-general, said in a statement that the policy was driven by public health concerns and growing evidence that alcohol packaged in sachets and containers below 200 millilitres has contributed to underage drinking across the country.
In an X post on Wednesday, NAFDAC said the mop-up operation is in line with the federal government’s ban on the production, importation, distribution, sale, and use of such products.
The agency said the exercise is being carried out across the six geopolitical zones, noting that it follows the closure of non-compliant manufacturing facilities and is part of NAFDAC’s ongoing efforts to protect public health.
According to NAFDAC, its enforcement teams are conducting coordinated operations in markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars, and other distribution channels to identify, seize, and remove banned products from circulation.
“Manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, transporters, and other stakeholders are advised to immediately surrender any remaining stock, as continued possession or sale of the banned products constitutes a violation of the law and may attract seizure, regulatory sanctions, and prosecution,” the agency said.
“The enforcement exercise is aimed at reducing underage drinking, harmful alcohol consumption, and substance abuse, particularly among children and young people.
“The agency urges members of the public to support the exercise by refraining from purchasing banned products and reporting anyone producing, distributing, or selling them to the nearest NAFDAC office.”
