NAFDAC debunks ‘suspension’ rumour, insists sachet alcohol ban stands
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has dismissed as false and misleading reports claiming that the Federal Government has directed it to suspend enforcement of the ban on sachet alcohol and alcoholic beverages packaged in PET bottles below 200ml.
A press release issued on Thursday morning and signed by the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NAFDAC, said no such directive was received from the Federal Government and stressed that the prohibition remains fully in force.
NAFDAC described the circulating publication as inaccurate and not reflective of any official government communication, reiterating that it operates strictly within its statutory mandate and in line with duly communicated federal policies.
“At no time has the Agency received any directive to suspend its regulatory or enforcement activities regarding sachet alcohol and small-volume alcoholic beverages,” the statement read.
The agency disclosed that it has commenced the evacuation of violative sachet alcohol products and alcoholic drinks in PET bottles below 200ml from manufacturing companies, as part of ongoing enforcement efforts.
According to NAFDAC, some manufacturers have already begun complying with the policy by halting production of the smaller pack sizes, having acknowledged that the measure is aimed at curbing minors’ easy access to alcohol.
The agency had previously revealed that about 50 per cent of minors and underage persons patronise outlets selling alcohol in sachets and small PET bottles, data it cited as justification for the regulatory action.
NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and implementing government policies transparently and in accordance with due process.
It further warned against the spread of unverified information capable of fueling misinformation and misinterpretation of government policy, urging the public, industry stakeholders and the media to rely solely on official communication channels.
