Sequel to the devastating effect of alchol and drugs on the lives of majority of Nigerians, particularly young ones, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has decided to ban the registeration of alcoholic drinks in sachets, small volumes and glass bottles below 200 millimetres.
In a statement on Monday the Director-General of the agency, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said the move followed the recommendation of a committee consisting of the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) in December 2018.
She said the agency will ensure that the validity of renewal of already registered alcoholic products in the affected category does not exceed the year 2024.
The NAFDAC DG said the Association of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE), and Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) are also members of the committee.
She explained that manufacturers of low volume alcoholic beverages (200ml), with satisfactory laboratory reports already submitted to NAFDAC for registration before the decision, have been directed to reformulate their products to stipulated standards free of charge.
The statement said the agency is committed to the strict implementation of the regulations and regulatory measures towards safeguarding the health of Nigerians, particularly the vulnerable youths, against the dangers of reckless consumption of alcohol.