NAFDAC bans registration of alcohol in sachet to check abuse

By Matthew Eloyi

As part of measures to curb the abuse of alcohol across the country, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has banned the registration of alcohol in sachet and small volume PET, glass bottles below 200ml, amidst other stringent regulatory measures.

This was disclosed in Abuja by the Director-General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, who explained this about the registration of new alcoholic drinks in sachet and small volume PET and glass bottles above 30% ABV (alcohol by volume).

According to Adeyeye, the ban was recommended by a high powered Committee of the Federal Ministry of Health and NAFDAC on one hand, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and Industry represented by the Association of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE), Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) in December 2018.

She added that the Agency will ensure that the validity of renewal of already registered alcoholic products in the affected category does not exceed 2024.

Adeyeye 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.

The NAFDAC boss also pointed out that the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) has been given marching orders to embark on a nationwide intensive sensitization campaign against the consumption of alcohol by adolescents below the age of 18 years in the bid to stem the tide of alcohol abuse in the country.

She further explained that the producers of alcohol in sachets and small volumes agreed to reduce production by 50% with effect from January 31st 2020 while ensuring the products are completely phased out in the country by 31st January 2024.