NAFDAC Begins Nationwide Seizure of Sachet Alcohol, PET Bottles Alcohol

• NAFDAC has begun a nationwide enforcement operation to seize sachet alcohol and PET bottles below 200ml.

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 operation 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.

In a statement shared on its official X account on Wednesday, NAFDAC disclosed that enforcement teams have been deployed across the six geopolitical zones after shutting down manufacturing facilities that failed to comply with the directive.

According to the agency, the exercise is part of its ongoing efforts to safeguard public health and reduce the harmful effects of excessive alcohol consumption.

“NAFDAC 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 stated.

NAFDAC warned manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, transporters and other stakeholders to immediately surrender any remaining stock of the prohibited alcoholic beverages.

The agency stressed that “continued possession or sale of the banned products constitutes a violation of the law and may attract seizure, regulatory sanctions, and prosecution.”

It explained that the nationwide enforcement 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 avoiding the purchase of banned alcoholic drinks and reporting anyone involved in producing, distributing or selling the prohibited products.

The agency advised Nigerians to report offenders to the nearest NAFDAC office or through its dedicated complaint channels.