NAFDAC enforces ban on alcoholic beverages in sachets

In a bold move to protect public health, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) banned alcoholic beverages made in sachets of less than 200 milliliters.

This noteworthy development was revealed by the agency’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, on Monday, February 5 at a press briefing in Abuja.

Following a five-year transition phase that began in 2018, producers were allowed to stop producing alcoholic beverages in sachets and pet bottles. As per the recommendations of a multilateral committee that included representatives from business, the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and other stakeholders, this transition period came to an end on January 31, 2024.

Prof Adeyeye emphasized that the decision to ban alcoholic beverages in sachets was not abrupt but followed a phased approach agreed upon by the committee. The initial phase involved a 50% reduction in production by 2020, followed by a complete ban on January 31, 2024. As part of this commitment, NAFDAC did not issue renewal licenses exceeding January 2024 to any manufacturer of such products.

Highlighting the rationale behind the ban, Prof Adeyeye underscored the paramount importance of protecting Nigerian children and the broader society from the adverse effects of alcohol consumption, particularly among underage individuals and commercial vehicle drivers and riders. She emphasized that the ban was essential to safeguarding public health and ensuring compliance with Nigerian laws.

NAFDAC reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to enforcing the ban, emphasizing that there would be no tolerance for non-compliance. Prof Adeyeye urged holders of alcoholic beverages in sachets, PET, and glass bottles, as well as related packaging materials, to promptly report to the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate of NAFDAC for the handover and destruction of these products. Non-compliance may result in prosecution and other stringent measures.