The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, or NAFDAC, has launched a nationwide enforcement operation to remove alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET bottles under 200ml from circulation, in accordance with the Federal Government’s ban on the products.
According to a statement from the agency, the exercise is being carried out across the six geopolitical zones as part of measures to implement the ban on the manufacturing, importation, distribution, sale, and use of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET bottles containing less than 200ml.
According to NAFDAC, the operation followed the closure of production facilities that did not comply with the mandate and is part of the agency’s 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 added.
NAFDAC ordered manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, transporters, and other stakeholders to promptly surrender any remaining inventory of the implicated products.
The agency warned that continuous possession or sale of the prohibited alcoholic beverages is a violation of the law and may result in seizure, regulatory penalty, and prosecution.
It stated that the enforcement operation is intended to reduce underage drinking, dangerous alcohol consumption, and substance misuse, particularly among children and young people.
NAFDAC also urged the public to support the exercise by not purchasing the banned products and reporting anyone involved in their production, distribution, or sale to the nearest NAFDAC office or toll-free number.