NAFDAC Enforces Ban on Sachet and Small Bottle Alcoholic Drinks #SachetAlcoholBan

 

NAFDAC Bans Sachet and Small Bottle Alcohol (#SachetAlcoholBan)

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) officially enforced its ban on the production, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small plastic bottles (PET) below 200ml. This landmark decision, met with mixed reactions across Nigeria, marks a significant shift in the country's approach to alcohol consumption, particularly targeting concerns surrounding underage drinking and public health. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has begun to enforce the ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachet and small PET and glass bottles below 200ml. The ban, which took effect from February 1, 2024, is aimed at curbing the menace of alcohol abuse among minors and vulnerable groups in Nigeria.

According to the director-general of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the ban was not a sudden decision, but the outcome of a multilateral committee that was set up in December 2018, comprising representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and the industry. The committee agreed that the producers of alcohol in sachet and small volume would reduce their production by 50% by 2020 and phase out the product completely by January 31, 2024. NAFDAC also committed to ensure that the validity of renewal of already registered alcoholic products in the affected category does not exceed the year 2024.

Adeyeye explained that the ban was necessary to protect the health and well-being of Nigerians, especially the under-aged and commercial drivers and passengers, who are mostly at risk of the negative effects of consuming alcohol in pack sizes that are easily accessible, affordable, and concealable. She cited the World Health Organization (WHO) report that children who drink alcohol are more likely to use drugs, get bad grades, suffer injury or death, engage in risky sexual activity, make bad decisions, and have health problems. She also noted that harmful consumption of alcohol is linked to more than 200 health conditions, including infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, and social problems.

Fueling the Fire: Reasons Behind the Ban

The ban wasn't born overnight. NAFDAC, alongside the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, had been deliberating on the issue since 2018. Concerns around the affordability and accessibility of sachet alcohol, often referred to as "local gin" or "cheap liquor," were at the forefront. Critics argued these small, low-cost options fueled underage drinking, public intoxication, and alcohol abuse, particularly among vulnerable populations. Additionally, questions arose about the quality and safety of the unregulated and often informally produced beverages.

Cheers and Jeers: Reactions to the Ban

The ban's reception has been multifaceted. Public health advocates and concerned citizens applauded the move, hailing it as a necessary step to curb alcohol-related problems and protect public health. They believe it will deter underage drinking, reduce public intoxication, and potentially contribute to improved social order. However, the decision faced strong opposition from the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DBAN), who argued the ban would lead to job losses, cripple the industry, and potentially push consumers towards unregulated, potentially dangerous alternatives. Concerns were also raised about the economic impact on low-income communities who relied on the affordable nature of sachet alcohol.

Moving Forward: Enforcement and the Future

NAFDAC has vowed to strictly enforce the ban, conducting raids on production facilities and distributors found flouting the regulations. The agency is also working with stakeholders to address concerns about job losses and explore potential alternatives for affected communities. While the ban's long-term impact remains to be seen, it undoubtedly sparks important conversations about alcohol consumption, responsible regulation, and public health priorities in Nigeria.

The NAFDAC boss stated that the agency has been carrying out enforcement activities to ensure compliance with the ban across the country. She said that NAFDAC has seized and destroyed millions of sachets and bottles of alcoholic drinks, and also shut down some production lines of companies that violated the ban. She warned that any manufacturer, distributor, or retailer that is found to be dealing with the banned products would face severe sanctions, including prosecution.

She appealed to the public to support the agency in its efforts to safeguard public health and report any violation of the ban to the nearest NAFDAC office. She also urged the industry to cooperate with the agency and abide by the regulations, as they are in the best interest of the consumers and the society at large.

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