The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has officially prohibited the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets containing less than 200ml. Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, the director-general of NAFDAC, revealed that the five-year grace period granted to manufacturers to cease the production of such drinks in sachets and PET bottles, starting in 2028, concluded on January 31, 2024. The enforcement of the ban was initiated on February 1, 2024.
Prof Adeyeye explained that the decision to ban these small-sized sachets was motivated by their adverse impact on underage children. She emphasized that the pocket-friendly sizes of these beverages made them easily accessible and affordable, leading children to be enticed by the packaging, with repercussions for their future well-being.
The director-general highlighted that the ban was endorsed based on the recommendations of a committee comprising the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and industry representatives such as the Association of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) and the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN), dating back to December 2018.
To underscore the importance of protecting the nation’s children and public health, Prof Adeyeye emphasized that the enforcement of this policy prioritizes the future of the country. She pointed out that underage individuals and commercial vehicle drivers and riders were particularly at risk of the negative effects associated with the consumption of these banned alcoholic beverage sizes.
Citing the World Health Organization’s findings, Prof Adeyeye explained that alcohol abuse could lead to numerous health conditions and social problems. The ban, she noted, aligns with global recommendations for effective and cost-effective strategies to address alcohol abuse, including regulating marketing and restricting availability.
During the ban enforcement, it was discovered that some manufacturers continued producing the prohibited products and had existing stocks of finished goods and packaging materials. NAFDAC considers this a serious violation of Nigerian laws and pledged to employ all available means, potentially including prosecution, to address the issue.
Prof Adeyeye affirmed that the decision to ban these alcoholic beverage sizes is irreversible. She urged all holders of such products and packaging materials to report to NAFDAC for the hand-over and destruction of the items, emphasizing NAFDAC’s unwavering commitment to strict regulatory measures for the well-being of Nigerians, especially the vulnerable youth, against the dangers of irresponsible alcohol consumption.
