The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched a nationwide operation to confiscate alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml.
The agency announced that the enforcement drive is being carried out across the six geopolitical zones to enforce the Federal Government’s ban on the production, importation, distribution, sale and use of the affected alcoholic products. It said the exercise follows the shutdown of manufacturing facilities that failed to comply with the directive.
Enforcement teams have been deployed to markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars and other distribution channels to identify, seize and remove the prohibited products from circulation.
NAFDAC directed manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, transporters and other stakeholders still in possession of the banned products to surrender their remaining stock without delay.
The agency warned that “continued possession or sale of the banned products constitutes a violation of the law and may attract seizure, regulatory sanctions, and prosecution.”
NAFDAC said the operation is designed to curb underage drinking, harmful alcohol consumption and substance abuse, especially among children and young people.
The agency urged members of the public to support the exercise by avoiding the purchase of the prohibited alcoholic products and reporting anyone producing, distributing or selling them to the nearest NAFDAC office or through its toll-free line.