The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has commenced a nationwide enforcement operation to confiscate alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate bottles below 200 millilitres, in line with the Federal Government’s ban on the products.
The agency said the exercise, which is ongoing across the six geopolitical zones, follows the closure of manufacturing facilities found to be producing the prohibited alcoholic drinks.
NAFDAC disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, saying enforcement teams had been deployed to markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars and other distribution channels to identify, seize and remove the banned products from circulation.
The agency said the operation was part of sustained efforts to protect public health and curb the widespread availability of alcohol in packaging considered attractive and easily accessible to underage consumers.
According to the statement, manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, transporters and other stakeholders in possession of the banned products have been directed to immediately surrender their remaining stock.
NAFDAC warned that anyone found producing, distributing or selling the prohibited alcoholic beverages would face regulatory sanctions, seizure of products and possible prosecution.
It stressed that continued possession or sale of the banned products constitutes a violation of existing regulations.
The agency explained that the enforcement exercise was aimed at tackling underage drinking, harmful alcohol consumption and substance abuse, particularly among children and young people.
It also appealed to members of the public to support the campaign by refraining from purchasing the banned alcoholic drinks and reporting individuals or businesses involved in their production, distribution or sale.
NAFDAC advised Nigerians to report suspected offenders to the nearest agency office or through its designated complaint channels.
The nationwide operation marks the full enforcement phase of the Federal Government’s prohibition of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET bottles smaller than 200ml, a policy introduced to reduce alcohol abuse and safeguard public health.
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