NAFDAC Eyes Crackdown of Manufacturers Violating Sachet Alcohol Ban

By Adedapo Adesanya

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has decried the violation of the ban on sachet alcohol production by some manufacturers in Nigeria.

The Director-General of the agency, Mrs Mojisola Adeyeye, who stated this during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday, said that despite several warnings and time given to the producers, they had continued to act in flagrant disregard for regulations.

She, however, warned that it was considering consequences against errant companies and individuals.

Initially, the food and drug control body clarified that the enforcement is not targeted at manufacturers who comply with approved packaging requirements but is focused on removing products packaged in sachets and PET bottles below the approved 200ml threshold, which have been categorised as illegal and unsafe.

Last week, NAFDAC commenced a nationwide enforcement exercise to seize alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles below 200 millilitres.

The operation, which is still being carried out simultaneously across the six geopolitical zones, involves markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars and other distribution channels to identify, seize and destroy the banned products.

NAFDAC warned that manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, hawkers and transporters found producing, stocking or selling the prohibited alcoholic beverages risk regulatory sanctions, seizure of products and possible prosecution.

It advised all stakeholders still in possession of the affected products to voluntarily surrender their remaining stock to the agency, stressing that continued sale or distribution of the banned items is illegal.

According to NAFDAC, the exercise is part of a sustained nationwide enforcement and public awareness campaign designed to eliminate harmful alcohol products, reduce underage drinking and promote responsible alcohol consumption among adults.

The agency said the crackdown is intended to protect public health, particularly by curbing harmful alcohol consumption and substance abuse among children and young people.

NAFDAC clarified that the enforcement is not targeted at manufacturers who comply with approved packaging requirements but is focused on removing products packaged in sachets and PET bottles below the approved 200ml threshold, which have been categorised as illegal and unsafe.