NAFDAC raises concern over sale of alcohol in sachets

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has raised concerns over the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small volume glass and Poly-Ethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles.

A statement signed by the Director-General of the agency, Moji Adeyeye, advised the general public to exercise caution in the consumption of alcoholic beverages and avoid unregistered alcoholic products which could have deleterious effects on health.

NAFDAC, according to her, is committed to preventing easy access to alcohol by young people and other vulnerable and high-risk groups.

She noted that these concerns relate to negative effects of irresponsible alcohol consumption on public health and on the safety and security of the public, alcohol being a toxic and psychoactive substance with dependence producing properties.

Uncontrolled access and availability of high concentration alcohol in sachet and small volume PET or glass bottles, she explained, has been put forward as a factor contributing to substance and alcohol abuse in Nigeria with its negative impact on the society.

“NAFDAC with full support of the Federal Ministry of Health has continued to exercise its regulatory responsibilities by ensuring that all alcoholic beverages and other regulated products approved by the Agency meet set standards of quality, safety and wholesomeness.

“The Federal Ministry of Health is concerned about the high incidence of substance and alcohol abuse in the country and NAFDAC, being the competent authority, and working with relevant stakeholders, is increasing efforts to stem this.

“With regard to alcohol, major stakeholders have been engaged at the highest level and are already sensitized on the issue,” the statement noted.

She reiterated that her agency is in the process of monitoring and enforcing all agreements jointly reached between the Federal Ministry of Health-NAFDAC, alcohol producers and other stakeholders.