Jumoke Olasunkanmi
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has banned the registration of alcoholic beverages in sachet and small volume PET and Glass bottles below 200ml.
This decision it said is rooted in recommendations from a high-powered committee comprising the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and industry representatives including the Association of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) and the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN).
NAFDAC noted that producers of alcohol in sachets and small volumes agreed to reduce production by 5 per cent starting January 31, 2022, with a complete phase-out by January 31, 2024, while the agency on its part, ensured that the validity of renewal for already registered alcoholic products in the affected category does not extend beyond 2024.
A statement signed by NAFDAC’s Director General, Mojisola Adeyeye on Monday stressed that the decision was spurred by the recognition that individuals most at risk of the adverse effects of consuming these banned pack sizes are under-aged individuals and commercial vehicle drivers and riders. Citing the World Health Organization (WHO), it underscored the detrimental effects of harmful alcohol consumption, linking it to over 200 health conditions including infectious diseases like tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, non-communicable conditions like liver cirrhosis and various cancers as well as social problems such as alcohol addiction and gender-based violence are also associated with excessive alcohol intake.
WHO has recommended several strategies including regulating the marketing of alcoholic beverages, especially targeting younger demographics, and restricting the availability of alcohol to address this problem.
Alcoholic beverages in sachets, PET, and Glass bottles are noted for their affordability and portability, making them easily accessible to under-aged individuals, including primary and secondary school children, as well as commercial vehicle drivers and riders. This accessibility contributes to public nuisance and poses significant health risks.
