NAFDAC Shuts Three Ogun Companies for Producing Banned Sachet Alcoholic Drinks

By Benson Daniel

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed three manufacturing companies in Ogun State for allegedly producing banned sachet and small sized alcoholic beverages in violation of existing regulatory directives.

The enforcement operation, carried out by officials of the agency, forms part of NAFDAC’s ongoing nationwide campaign to ensure compliance with the ban on the production and distribution of alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and small polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. The agency said the affected companies were found to be engaging in activities that contravened the regulations designed to protect public health.

According to NAFDAC, the production of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small containers was prohibited to curb the growing rate of alcohol abuse, particularly among young people, and to reduce easy access to high strength alcoholic products. The agency noted that manufacturers had previously been given ample time to phase out the affected products before enforcement measures commenced.

Officials disclosed that the facilities were sealed after inspections revealed continued production despite the regulatory directive. The agency warned that any manufacturer, distributor or marketer found violating the ban would face appropriate sanctions in accordance with the law.

NAFDAC reiterated that its enforcement activities are not intended to disrupt legitimate businesses but to safeguard consumers and ensure that products in the Nigerian market meet established safety and regulatory standards. The agency also urged members of the public to report any company still producing or selling prohibited sachet alcoholic drinks.

Public health experts have welcomed the crackdown, describing it as a necessary step toward reducing harmful alcohol consumption and promoting responsible drinking. They argued that strict enforcement of the regulations would discourage non compliant manufacturers and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s food and drug regulatory system.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to sustained surveillance and enforcement across the country, emphasizing that no company would be exempt from compliance with regulations aimed at protecting the health and well being of Nigerians.