By MaryAnn Chukwuma
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced a nationwide enforcement operation to remove banned sachet alcohol and sub-200ml PET bottled alcoholic beverages from circulation.
In a statement published on its official Facebook page on July 22, NAFDAC said the exercise follows the Federal Government’s ban on producing, importing, distributing, selling, and using the affected alcoholic products.
The agency explained that the enforcement operation is being conducted simultaneously across the six geopolitical zones following the closure of manufacturing facilities that failed to comply with the directive.
NAFDAC said 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 agency directed manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, transporters, and other stakeholders to immediately surrender remaining stocks of the prohibited alcoholic products.
According to NAFDAC, continued possession or sale of the banned products violates existing regulations and may attract product seizure, regulatory sanctions, and prosecution.
The agency noted that the exercise is aimed at reducing underage drinking, harmful alcohol consumption, and substance abuse, particularly among children and young people across the country.
NAFDAC urged members of the public to support the enforcement by avoiding banned products and reporting anyone producing, distributing, or selling them to the nearest NAFDAC office or through 0800-1-623322.
MaryAnn Chukwuma is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
