NAFDAC Bans Sachets’ Alcoholic Drinks
- To protect vulnerable youths
BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has banned the registration of alcohol in sachets, small volumes and glass bottles below 200ml.
The Agency confirmed that the ban is part of measures being adopted in re-affirming its resolve to implement stringent regulations against alcohol abuse nationwide, adding; “This move particularly targets the vulnerable youths on the dangers of reckless consumption of alcohol.”
A statement by the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof Moji Adeyeye in Abuja said; “The registration of new alcoholic drinks in sachets and small volume PET and glass bottles above 30 per cent ABV (alcohol by volume) has been banned by NAFDAC.
“The move followed the recommendation of a high-powered committee of the Federal Ministry of Health and NAFDAC on one hand, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).”
According to the NAFDAC boss; “This move is also as a result of the support from various Industries represented by Association of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE), Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) in December 2018.
“The agency will ensure that validity of renewal of already registered alcoholic products in the affected category will not exceed the year 2024,” she said.
Prof Moji Adeyeye disclosed that directives have gone to manufacturers of low volume alcohol beverages (200ml) with satisfactory Laboratory reports already submitted to NAFDAC for registration before now to reformulate their products at stipulated standards.
She explained that DIBAN has received a marching order to undertake an intensive nationwide sensitisation campaign against underage consumption of alcohol by adolescents below the age of 18 years in the bid to stem the tide of alcohol abuse in the country.
This is as the Director-General hinted that following effective engagement, producers of alcohol in sachets and small volume agreed to reduce production by 50 per cent with effect from January 31, 2022, while ensuring the products are completely phased out in the country by January 31, 2024.
Prof Adeyeye further said amid efforts at containing the COVID-19 pandemic, “NAFDAC is resolutely committed to the strict implementation of the regulations and regulatory measures towards safeguarding the health of Nigerians.”
