The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has renewed its warning to manufacturers producing or allowing sachet alcoholic drinks and alcoholic beverages in PET/plastic bottles below 200ml to remain in circulation.
NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said manufacturers that fail to comply will face regulatory sanctions, including the continued closure of their facilities.
Why is NAFDAC banning sachet alcohol?
The restriction is primarily a public health measure. NAFDAC has raised concerns about the easy availability and affordability of small-sized alcoholic drinks, particularly their potential accessibility to young people.
The agency began enforcing the ban in February 2024 after a five-year phase-out period given to manufacturers expired.
What is NAFDAC doing?
NAFDAC is conducting enforcement operations to identify and remove prohibited products from the market.
Manufacturers found producing the banned drinks risk having their facilities shut down, while prohibited products may be seized and destroyed.
The enforcement also targets distributors and retailers who continue to circulate the products.
What does the ban mean for consumers?
Consumers should be aware that sachet alcoholic drinks and alcoholic beverages in PET/plastic containers below 200ml are prohibited under the policy.
NAFDAC is urging businesses and consumers to comply as the agency intensifies efforts to remove the products from circulation.
The latest warning signals that NAFDAC is moving from repeated warnings to stricter enforcement against non-compliant manufacturers and sellers.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.