NAFDAC intercepts alcoholic beverages in sachet, pet bottles in Delta

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has intercepted alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and pet bottles below 200ml in Asaba, Delta State capital.

The Deputy Director and State Coordinator of the agency, Mr Jude Ndekile, said after the operation the sales of alcoholic beverages in sachet and PET bottles below 200ml remain banned.

According to him, the Federal Government had issued a directive banning the production of alcoholic beverages in sachets and pet bottles below 200ml.

He explained that there was a directive in 2018 between NAFDAC and relevant stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Health to stop the production of alcoholic beverages below 200ml in pet bottles and sachets.

“During the meeting, an agreement was also reached to withdraw all sachets and the pet bottles below 200ml from the market because they are easily accessible by underaged and minors.

“The committee and the agency agreed to a moratorium of five years to phase out such packaged drinks by December 2023,” he said.

The deputy director explained that enlightenment campaigns and stakeholders’ engagements had been conducted over the years to ensure compliance with the ban.

Ndekile, however, decried the increase in the rate of alcohol abuse, especially among minors and noted that in spite of the sensitisation, there had been an increase in the sale of the products in the state.

He assured that the raid would continue across the state, as the agency intend to visit more markets, adding that the agency will concentrate on auto parks because the drinks are easily accessible to drivers/transporters.