PHOTOS: NAFDAC raids Abuja market, seizes alcoholic beverages in sachets, pet bottles

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has carried out the mop-up of alcoholic beverages in sachets and pet bottles smaller than 200ml at Abuja’s Wuse Market.

In 2018, the sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles smaller than 200ml was banned in Nigeria.

The ban followed a ministerial directive and agreements with key stakeholders, including the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) and the Association of Food Beverage & Tobacco Employers (AFBTE).

Manufacturers were given a phased timeline to halt the production and distribution of these products.

In a statement on Friday, NAFDAC said products worth over ₦52 million were seized during the operation.

The agency warned manufacturers, retailers, and distributors to cease production, sale, and distribution of the banned items.

“The public is also advised to avoid purchasing these products, as they pose significant health risks, particularly to children. Violators will face strict penalties as outlined in the Agency’s regulations,” the statement reads.

Meanwhile, Kenneth Azikiwe, director of the agency’s FCT directorate, urged distributors and retailers to desist from the sale and distribution of the banned products, urging them to return any remaining stock to NAFDAC.

“At the moment, any violation will attract full weight of the law,” he said.

“Anyone found selling these products will face penalties for violating regulations and this will include being treated as someone dealing in unregistered items.”

See photos below.