NAFDAC has prohibited the registration of alcohol in envelopes and glass bottles below 200 ml.
This is contained in a statement signed by NAFDAC General Prof. Moji Adeyeye in Abuja.
“NAFDAC has prohibited the registration of new alcoholic beverages in envelopes and small-volume glass and PET bottles above 30 percent ABV (alcohol by volume).
“The measure followed the recommendation of a high-powered committee of the Federal Ministry of Health and NAFDAC on the one hand, the Federal Commission for Competition and Consumer Protection (FCCPC).
“This move is also a result of the support of several Industry Represented Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE), Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) in December 2018.
“The dependency will guarantee that the validity of the renewal of alcoholic products already registered in the affected category does not exceed the year 2024,” he said.
The Director General explained that manufacturers of low-volume (200 ml) alcoholic beverages with satisfactory laboratory reports, which had already been submitted to NAFDAC for registration prior to this decision, have been directed to reformulate their products to the standard. stipulated.
According to her, the DIBAN was also given a corresponding order to launch an intense national campaign to raise awareness against alcohol consumption by those under 18 years of age in an attempt to stop the wave of alcohol abuse in the country.
He explained that the producers of alcohol in sachets and small volumes agreed to reduce production by 50% from January 31, 2022 and guarantee that the products are completely eliminated in the country before January 31, 2024.
“Even as we grapple with the containment of the COVID-19 pandemic, NAFDAC is resolutely committed to the strict implementation of rules and regulatory measures to safeguard the health of Nigerians.
“This movement is especially aimed at young people who are vulnerable to the dangers of reckless drinking,” said Adeyeye.
Source: NAN
