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.
This is in line with the Federal Government’s ban on the production, importation, distribution, sale and use of such products.
In a post on its X account on Wednesday, the agency said the enforcement exercise, which is being carried out simultaneously across the six geopolitical zones, follows the closure of non-compliant manufacturing facilities and forms part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to safeguard public health.
As part of the operation, NAFDAC enforcement teams are conducting coordinated inspections in markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars and other distribution channels to identify, seize and remove the banned alcoholic products from circulation.
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The agency warned that manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, transporters and other stakeholders must immediately surrender any remaining stock of the prohibited products.
Continued possession, distribution or sale of the banned alcoholic beverages constitutes a violation of the law and may attract regulatory sanctions, product seizure and prosecution, it said.
The agency said the enforcement exercise is intended to curb underage drinking, harmful alcohol consumption and substance abuse, particularly among children and young people.
NAFDAC also urged members of the public to support the exercise by refraining from purchasing the banned products and reporting anyone involved in the production, distribution or sale of the prohibited alcoholic beverages to the nearest NAFDAC office or through its designated reporting channels.
