The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has clarified the alcoholic content in sachets or small bottles of less than 200ml, stating that it is 30 percent.
This disclosure comes after NAFDAC enforced the ban on alcoholic beverages in sachets, PET, and glass bottles of 200ml and below, starting from February 1, 2024.
In a press statement, the agency said that the 30 percent alcoholic content in sachets or PET bottles less than 200ml is considered high when compared to beer, which typically contains four to eight percent alcohol.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, had earlier announced the ban, citing concerns about the potential health risks and the need to protect vulnerable groups, particularly children.
NAFDAC clarified that the ban does not extend to alcohol production in larger bottles, adding that the focus is on containers or packaging that a child can easily conceal.
“NAFDAC did not ban alcohol production in bigger bottles. The Agency only banned alcohol in containers or packing that a child can easily conceal, I.e., sachet or PET bottles less than 200ml
“The alcoholic content in sachet or PET bottles less than 200ml is 30 per cent. Beer has four to eight per cent alcohol,” NAFDAC said.
The agency revealed that the decision to ban these specific sizes was part of an agreement signed in December 2018 with the Association of Food, Beverage & Tobacco Employers and the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria.
The enforcement of the ban has been met with protests from distillers and labour unions, who argue that it could lead to job losses for around 500,000 workers.
NAFDAC, however, maintains that the decision aligns with a global strategy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol, adding that it is important to protect youth and ensure responsible alcohol consumption.
