NAFDAC Bans Alcoholic Beverages In Sachet, Small-Volume PET
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has banned the registration of alcoholic beverages in sachet, small-volume PET and glass bottles below 200ml.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, in a statement, said, it was part of other regulatory measures taken by the agency to curb the abuse of alcohol across the country.
She said the decision by NAFDAC was the outcome of the meeting of a high-powered committee of the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), the Association of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) and the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN), held in December, 2018.
Professor Adeyeye further said the registration of new above 30 per cent Alcohol By Volume (ABV) in sachets, small-volume PET and glass bottles has been banned.
She said NAFDAC will ensure that validity of renewal of already registered alcoholic products in the affected category will not exceed the year 2024.
According to her, DIBAN has been directed to engage in intensive sensitisation campaigns nationwide, against consumption of alcohol by adolescents below the age of 18 years in a bid to stem the tide of alcohol abuse in the country.
The NAFDAC boss explained that producers of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small volume have agreed to reduce production by 50 per cent, with effect from January 31, 2020 and also a complete phase out of the products in the country by 31 January, 2024.
Professor Adeyeye said the agency will also ensure that the validity of renewal of already registered alcoholic products in the affected category will not exceed 2024.
“The Director-General explained that manufacturers of low volume alcohol beverages (200ml) with satisfactory laboratory reports, which were already submitted to NAFDAC for registration before this decision, have been directed to reformulate their products to stipulated standards free of charge.
“Even as we grapple with the containment of the COVID-19 pandemic, NAFDAC is resolutely committed to the strict implementation of the regulations and regulatory measures towards safeguarding the health of Nigerians, particularly the vulnerable youths against the dangers of reckless consumption of alcohol,” the statement read.
