NAFDAC sets date for ban of alcohol in sachets
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has set 2023/2024 for a total ban of alcoholic drinks in sachets.
The Director-General of the agency, Mojisola Adeyeye, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday that banning of the product will come out in phases. Mrs Adeyeye said that alcoholic drinks in sachet will be phased out by 2023 ending or first week of 2024, when it will no longer exist in the society.
NAN reports that Mrs Adeyeye had earlier expressed worry over the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in sachets, small volume glass and Poly-Ethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles.
Mrs Adeyeye said with the support of the Federal Ministry of Health, the concern also relates to the fact that alcohol “is also a toxic and psychoactive substance with dependence producing properties.”
According to her, uncontrolled access and availability of high concentration alcohol in sachet and small volume PET or glass bottles have been put forward as a factor contributing to substance and alcohol abuse in Nigeria with its negative impact on the society.
She said the World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that alcohol consumption contributes to three million deaths each year globally as well as to the disabilities and poor health of millions of people.
Mrs Adeyeye said that stakeholders had already met on this to outline the negative impact of the product on the society, particularly on youths.