Bukola Afeni
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned alcoholic beverage manufacturers against producing sachet and sub-200ml PET or plastic-packaged products, saying defaulters risk heavy fines and permanent closure of their facilities.
NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, issued the warning while stressing that the agency would take enforcement action against manufacturers whose banned products are found in circulation.
“If you are a manufacturer of alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles less than 200 ml and we find your product in the market, you will be fined heavily,” Adeyeye said.
She said NAFDAC could also shut down the facilities of non-compliant manufacturers permanently, adding that the agency would apply the Proceeds of Crime law where necessary.
Adeyeye said major industry groups, including the Beer Association of Nigeria (BAN) and the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE), had expressed willingness to comply with the regulation.
According to her, some manufacturers are already considering reconfiguring their production lines to meet the regulatory requirements.
She noted that concerns over possible job losses had been raised since 2018, giving manufacturers sufficient time to prepare for the changes.
“Many manufacturers now are thinking, they were the ones who suggested a reconfiguration of their lines,” she said.
Adeyeye maintained that NAFDAC would enforce the regulation against manufacturers who fail to comply.
“But if anybody doesn’t comply, we will visit that company with the law that is appropriate,” she added.
