The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced a nationwide enforcement operation to remove alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles below 200ml from circulation.
According to the agency, the operation is being carried out across the six geopolitical zones 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.
NAFDAC said enforcement teams are conducting coordinated raids in markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars and other distribution channels to identify, seize and remove the banned products from circulation.
The agency warned manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers and transporters to immediately surrender any remaining stock, stressing that continued possession or sale of the products could attract seizure, regulatory sanctions and prosecution.
NAFDAC said the exercise is aimed at reducing underage drinking, harmful alcohol consumption and substance abuse, especially among children and young people, while urging Nigerians to report anyone involved in the production or sale of the banned products.