Following a public hearing on the ban of spirits and alcoholic beverages in sachets and pet bottles, the House of Representatives Committee on the National Agency on Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has directed the suspension of the ban. Chairperson of the Committee, Rep. Regina Akume, emphasized the importance of taking proper steps before implementing such a ban to safeguard children and youths from consuming alcoholic contents from sachets and pet bottles.
NAFDAC had announced in January 2022 that it had ceased the registration of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small-volume PET and glass bottles below 200ml. The ban was initially imposed to protect the health and well-being of vulnerable groups, including children and youths.
Director General of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, reiterated that the ban was aimed at safeguarding public health. Despite agreeing to a five-year moratorium for manufacturers to phase out alcoholic drinks in sachets and pet bottles in December 2018, some manufacturers continued production, prompting the agency to take action. Adeyeye clarified that NAFDAC’s concern was not against the production of alcoholic drinks but rather the packaging in sachets and pet bottles to discourage easy access by children.
