By Akinwale Kasali
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has commenced moves to remove alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate, PET, bottles below 200ml from circulation nationwide.
The mop-up exercise to remove alcoholic beverages has been on the front burner for several months. NAFDAC has remained defiant despite protest from alcoholic beverage companies and workers association for NAFDAC to rescind its decision in commencing its mopping up exercise.
A statement issued by the Agency stated that the exercise reinforces the Federal Government’s ban on the production, importation and sale of such products in Nigeria.
NAFDAC said the enforcement operation, covering all six geopolitical zones, followed the closure of manufacturing facilities found to be violating the ban.
According to the Agency, its enforcement teams are conducting coordinated operations in markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars and other distribution channels to identify, seize and destroy the affected products.
NAFDAC warned manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, hawkers and transporters to voluntarily surrender any remaining stock, noting that continued possession or sale of the banned products could attract seizure, regulatory sanctions and prosecution.
“This mop-up is not a one-off exercise but part of a sustained enforcement and public education campaign to rid Nigeria of harmful alcohol products, protect children and adolescents, and promote a culture of responsible consumption among adults,” the agency stated.
It added that the nationwide exercise underscores its commitment to protecting public health by reducing underage drinking, harmful alcohol consumption and substance abuse among children and young people.
The Agency clarified that the enforcement is not targeted at compliant manufacturers operating within approved pack-size thresholds but at eliminating products that pose significant public health risks
It urged Nigerians to support the exercise by reporting anyone producing, stocking or selling the banned sachet and sub-200ml PET-bottle alcoholic beverages. It advised the public to avoid patronising such products, describing them as unregistered, unsafe and illegal.
The Agency called on Nigerians to work collectively to safeguard communities and future generations and urged members of the public to report any suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office.
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