NAFDAC Bans Distillers from Producing Alcohol in Small Sachets, Pet Bottles

In a bid to address the health risks associated with the consumption of alcohol in small sachets and pet bottles, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has called for an immediate halt to the production of such products by distillers. This directive comes as part of an agreement reached by a tripartite committee in 2018, aimed at curbing the abuse of alcohol, particularly among the youth.

Kazeem Adeniran, Assistant Chief Regulator Officer at NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Department, emphasized the urgency of adhering to the agreement, which stipulated that distillers should cease the production of alcohol in sachets and pet bottles of less than 200ml by January 31. Despite the five-year grace period given for compliance, some distillers were found to still be producing these products during an enforcement exercise carried out in Ota, Ogun State.

The enforcement exercise targeted companies under the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN), including Nigeria Distilleries Limited, International Distillers Limited, Danzchiji Global Nigeria Enterprises, and Euro Global Foods and Distilleries Limited. Adeniran expressed disappointment at the failure of these companies to abide by the agreement and warned against further violations.

All alcohol products below 200ml found during the enforcement exercise will be confiscated and destroyed to safeguard public health. NAFDAC remains committed to ensuring that only safe and compliant products are made available to consumers across Nigeria.