The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has refuted a publication circulating in some media outlets alleging that the Federal Government has directed the agency to suspend enforcement actions on sachet alcohol and alcoholic beverages packaged in PET bottles below 200ml.

"The report is false, misleading, and does not reflect any official communication from the Federal Government," NAFDAC said in a statement on Thursday.

The agency said it operates strictly within its statutory mandate and in alignment with duly communicated Federal Government policies.

"At no time has the agency received any directive to suspend its regulatory or enforcement activities regarding sachet alcohol and small-volume alcoholic beverages. The ban remains in forc," it said.

The agency said it has begun evacuating violative sachet alcohol and alcoholic drinks in PET bottles below 200ml from companies.
It said it also observed that some manufacturers, having recognised that the objective of this policy is to protect children from easy access to alcohol, are desisting from producing these smaller pack sizes.

"As previously reported, about 50% of minors and underage persons patronise retailers selling alcohol in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml.

"The agency remains committed to safeguarding public health, ensuring regulatory compliance, and implementing government policies transparently and in accordance with due process. Any decision affecting national regulatory actions will be communicated through official government channels.

"The agency also cautions against the dissemination of unverified information capable of causing misinformation, fake news, and misinterpretation of government policy. NAFDAC urges the public, industry stakeholders, and the media to rely solely on verified information published through its official platforms," NAFDAC said.

ASA