The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has dismissed reports claiming that the Federal Government directed it to reverse the ban on sachet alcohol and alcoholic drinks packaged in 200ml PET bottles.
The agency was reacting to a viral social media report alleging that the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation had instructed it to immediately withdraw the ban on sachet and 200ml alcohol containers.
In a statement signed by its Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC described the report as false and misleading.
“The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) wishes to categorically refute a news publication alleging that the federal government has directed the agency to suspend enforcement actions relating to the regulation of sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic products,” the statement read.
“The said publication is false, misleading, and does not reflect any official communication received by the agency from the federal government.
“NAFDAC operates strictly within the ambit of its statutory mandate and in alignment with duly communicated federal government policies and directives.
“At no time has the agency received any formal directive ordering the suspension of its regulatory or enforcement activities in respect of sachet alcohol products.”
The agency disclosed that it has commenced the evacuation of violative sachet alcohol and alcoholic beverages packaged in PET bottles below 200ml from various companies.
It added that some manufacturers have begun adjusting their production lines in response to the enforcement drive, acknowledging the public health rationale behind the policy.
“As published, about 50 percent of minors and underage patronise retailers of alcohol sold in sachets and PET bottles less than 200 ml,” the agency stated.
NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to public health and regulatory compliance.
“The agency remains committed to safeguarding public health, ensuring regulatory compliance, and carrying out its responsibilities transparently and in accordance with established laws and due process.
“Any decision affecting national regulatory actions will be communicated through official government channels. NAFDAC therefore urges members of the public, industry stakeholders, and the media to disregard the false report and to rely only on verified information issued through the Agency’s official platforms and authorised government communication channels.”
The agency also cautioned against the spread of unverified information capable of generating misinformation and misinterpretation of government policies, stressing that it remains steadfast in protecting public health, economic stability and the national interest.
