NAFDAC Denies Suspension of Sachet Alcohol Enforcement, Says Ban Still Active

By Julian Osamoto

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, says enforcement against sachet alcohol and alcoholic drinks packaged in small PET bottles has not been suspended.

In a statement signed by the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, the Agency describes as false and misleading reports circulating in some media outlets claiming that the Federal Government had directed it to halt enforcement actions.

NAFDAC stated that the reports do not reflect any official communication from the Federal Government.

The Agency emphasized that it operates strictly within its legal mandate and in line with duly communicated government policies.

It notes that at no time has it received any directive to suspend regulatory or enforcement activities concerning sachet alcohol or alcoholic beverages in PET bottles below 200 millilitres.

According to NAFDAC, the ban remains in force.

The Agency further disclosed that it has begun evacuating violative sachet alcohol and alcoholic drinks packaged in PET bottles below 200 millilitres from companies.

NAFDAC observed that some manufacturers, having recognized that the objective of the policy is to protect children from easy access to alcohol, are already discontinuing production of the small pack sizes.

It adds that previous findings showed that about 50 per cent of minors and underage persons patronise retailers selling alcohol in sachets and PET bottles below 200 millilitres.

NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health, ensuring regulatory compliance, and implementing government policies transparently and in accordance with due process.

The statement says any decision affecting national regulatory actions would be communicated through official government channels.

The Agency also warned against the spread of unverified information capable of causing misinformation, fake news, and misinterpretation of government policy.

It urges the public, industry stakeholders, and the media to rely only on verified information published through its official platforms.