The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced a nationwide enforcement operation to remove alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles below 200 millilitres from circulation.
The agency said the exercise is in line with the Federal Government’s ban on the production, importation, distribution, sale and use of alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and PET bottles smaller than 200ml.
NAFDAC disclosed that the operation is being conducted across the six geopolitical zones following the closure of non-compliant manufacturing facilities, as part of efforts to safeguard public health and curb the harmful effects of alcohol abuse.
According to the agency, enforcement teams have been deployed to markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars and other distribution channels to identify, seize and remove prohibited products from circulation.
NAFDAC warned manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, transporters and other stakeholders to immediately surrender any remaining stock of the banned products, stressing that continued possession or sale constitutes a violation of the law and could attract regulatory sanctions, seizure and prosecution.
The agency said the enforcement exercise is designed to reduce underage drinking, harmful alcohol consumption and substance abuse, particularly among children and young people.
NAFDAC also called on members of the public to support the operation by avoiding the purchase of banned alcoholic products and reporting individuals or businesses involved in their production, distribution or sale to the nearest NAFDAC office or through its toll-free line, 0800-1-623322.
