NAFDAC BEGINS NATIONWIDE MOP-UP OF BANNED SACHET, PET BOTTLE ALCOHOL. (PHOTO).

 NAFDAC begins nationwide mop-up of banned sachet, PET bottle alcohol

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has commenced a nationwide enforcement operation to remove alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate bottles below 200 millilitres from circulation.

The agency said the exercise is in line with the Federal Government’s ban on the production, importation, distribution, sale and use of alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and PET bottles smaller than 200ml.

According to NAFDAC in a statement shared on X on Wednesday, the enforcement operation is being carried out across the six geopolitical zones following the closure of non-compliant manufacturing facilities.

The agency said the exercise forms part of its ongoing efforts to protect public health.

“NAFDAC enforcement teams are conducting coordinated operations in markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars, and other distribution channels to identify, seize, and remove banned products from circulation,” the statement read.

The agency warned manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, transporters and other stakeholders to immediately surrender any remaining stock of the banned products.

It stressed that “continued possession or sale of the banned products constitutes a violation of the law and may attract seizure, regulatory sanctions, and prosecution.”

NAFDAC explained that the enforcement exercise is aimed at curbing underage drinking, harmful alcohol consumption and substance abuse, particularly among children and young people.

The agency urged members of the public to support the operation by avoiding the purchase of banned alcoholic beverages and reporting anyone producing, distributing or selling them.

It advised members of the public to report offenders to the nearest NAFDAC office or through its dedicated hotline.