By Bavoriat Clara
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has denied reports circulating in some media suggesting that the Federal Government directed the Agency to halt enforcement against sachet alcohol and alcoholic beverages packaged in PET bottles below 200ml.
In a statement issued by the Director-General/CEO, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC described the publication as false, misleading, and not reflective of any official government communication. The statement emphasized that the Agency operates strictly within its statutory mandate and aligns with duly communicated Federal Government policies.
NAFDAC reiterated that it has not received any directive to suspend regulatory or enforcement actions concerning sachet alcohol and small-volume alcoholic beverages. The ban on these products remains fully in force. The Agency has already begun evacuating violative sachet alcohol and alcoholic drinks in PET bottles below 200ml from manufacturers and distributors.
The statement also noted that some manufacturers have voluntarily ceased producing smaller pack sizes after recognizing that the policy aims to protect children and minors from easy access to alcohol. According to NAFDAC, about 50% of underage persons access alcoholic drinks through sachets and PET bottles below 200ml.
Prof. Adeyeye further cautioned against spreading unverified information that could cause misinformation or misinterpretation of government policy. NAFDAC urged the public, media, and industry stakeholders to rely solely on verified information released through the Agency’s official channels.
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