NAFDAC intensifies enforcement against sachet alcohol, sub-200ml PET bottles

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has begun a nationwide enforcement operation to remove alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml from circulation in line with the Federal Government’s ban on the products.

The agency disclosed in a statement that the exercise is being carried out across the six geopolitical zones as part of efforts to enforce the ban on the production, importation, distribution, sale and use of alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml.

According to NAFDAC, the operation follows the closure of manufacturing facilities that failed to comply with the directive and forms part of its ongoing efforts to protect public health.

“NAFDAC 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,” the statement said.

NAFDAC advised manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, transporters and other stakeholders to immediately surrender any remaining stock of the affected products.

The agency warned that continued possession or sale of the banned alcoholic beverages amounts to a violation of the law and could attract seizure, regulatory sanctions and prosecution.

It explained that the enforcement exercise is aimed at reducing underage drinking, harmful alcohol consumption and substance abuse, particularly among children and young people.

NAFDAC also appealed to members of the public to support the exercise by avoiding the purchase of the banned products and reporting anyone involved in their production, distribution or sale to the nearest NAFDAC office or through its toll-free line.