The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised the alarm over the continued clandestine production of banned alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles below 200 millilitres.
Director-General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, made this revelation during a comprehensive press briefing held at the agency’s Lagos office.
The briefing was convened to provide a crucial update on the ongoing nationwide mop-up operations targeting the prohibited alcoholic products.
According to Professor Adeyeye, recent intelligence-led enforcement teams carrying out coordinated raids across Lagos, Ogun, and several other states uncovered defiant manufacturers.
These operators were found to be covertly continuing production of the prohibited drinks in direct violation of the Federal Government’s strict regulatory directive.
In her address, the NAFDAC boss issued a stern warning to individuals and business owners attempting to sabotage the agency’s mandate.
She emphasized that no one should obstruct NAFDAC officials in the course of executing investigations or carrying out enforcement operations against banned sachet alcoholic drinks.
The Federal Government’s ban on alcoholic beverages in sachets and small PET bottles was enacted to curb the widespread abuse of alcohol, particularly among underage youth and commercial transport drivers.
NAFDAC reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health by removing these hazardous products completely from circulation.
Professor Adeyeye concluded by assuring the public that the agency’s enforcement units remain on high alert nationwide.
NAFDAC has vowed to prosecute any manufacturers or distributors found flouting the directive, as the agency ramps up inspections to ensure total compliance across all distribution channels.
