NAFDAC Begins Mopping Up Banned Alcoholic Beverages in Abuja
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has initiated the mopping-up operation of banned alcoholic drinks in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles smaller than 200ml in Abuja’s Wuse Market.
On Friday, NAFDAC personnel carried out seizures of the banned alcoholic beverages, with products valued at over ₦52 million being confiscated during the operation.
Enforcement of 2018 Ban
The action is part of the agency’s enforcement of a ban that was first initiated in 2018 following a ministerial directive. The ban was implemented after discussions and agreements with key stakeholders, including the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN), the Association of Food, Beverage & Tobacco Employers (AFBTE), and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
NAFDAC noted that manufacturers were given a phased timeline to stop the production and distribution of these products, with the current operation marking the total enforcement phase.
Health Risks and Warnings
In a statement, NAFDAC warned manufacturers, retailers, and distributors to immediately cease the production, sale, and distribution of the banned items. The agency also advised the public to avoid purchasing these products, citing significant health risks, particularly to children. It stressed that violators of the ban would face strict penalties as prescribed in the agency’s regulations.
NAFDAC’s efforts are aimed at protecting public health and ensuring that harmful products are removed from circulation.
