Members of the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria are set to voice their concerns as they plan to protest against the recent ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
According to The PUNCH’s report on Monday, the association has organized a peaceful protest scheduled to take place today at the NAFDAC Office on the Lagos-Oshodi Apapa Expressway in Isolo, Lagos.
In their notice, the association extended an invitation to concerned parties to join them in expressing their discontent with NAFDAC’s ban on alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles.
This action from the association comes shortly after Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director General of NAFDAC, announced on Monday that the agency would enforce the ban on the importation, manufacture, distribution, sale, and use of alcoholic beverages in sachets, PET, and glass bottles of 200ml and below.
Adeyeye also revealed that NAFDAC would collaborate with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to ensure the effective enforcement of the ban.
During a press conference in Abuja, Adeyeye emphasized that NAFDAC had already initiated enforcement actions against the banned products. The agency’s window period for manufacturers to sell off all alcoholic drinks in the affected categories ended on January 31st, 2024.
The enforcement actions commenced nationwide on February 1st, 2024. However, it was discovered during the enforcement process that some manufacturers were still producing the banned products and had substantial stocks of both finished products and packaging materials in their possession.
NAFDAC considers this non-compliance as a serious offense and intends to employ all necessary statutory means, including prosecution, to address the matter. Adeyeye urged all holders of alcohol in sachets, PET and glass bottles, as well as empty sachets and packaging materials of the banned products, to report to the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate of NAFDAC for proper handover and destruction to prevent further legal actions.
In January 2022, NAFDAC halted the registration of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small volume PET and glass bottles below 200ml, based on the recommendation of a committee comprising representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, and industry stakeholders such as the Association of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Employers, Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria.
As part of the decision reached in the committee meeting, producers of alcohol in sachets and small volume agreed to gradually reduce production by five percent starting from January 31st, 2022, with a complete phase-out of the products in the country by January 31st, 2024.
NAFDAC remains committed to enforcing these regulations and measures to ensure the health and well-being of Nigerians, particularly the vulnerable youth, by curbing the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption. Adeyeye emphasized that underage individuals, commercial vehicle drivers, and riders are particularly at risk of the negative effects of consuming the banned pack sizes of alcoholic beverages.
Citing the World Health Organization’s findings, she highlighted the various health and social problems associated with harmful alcohol consumption, including the increased likelihood of drug use, poor academic performance, injuries, risky behavior, and health conditions such as liver cirrhosis and cancer.
In an effort to address alcohol abuse, the WHO has recommended several effective and cost-effective strategies, including the regulation of alcohol marketing and the restriction of alcohol availability.
By organizing this protest, the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria aims to raise awareness of their concerns regarding the ban and engage in dialogue with NAFDAC to find a mutually beneficial resolution.
Via Punch