NAFDAC Orders Recall of Sachet Alcoholic Beverages

On September 3, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) mandated manufacturers to recall and destroy alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and containers below 200 millilitres. This directive is part of the Federal Government's efforts to enforce restrictions on small-volume alcoholic drinks, which are deemed concerning due to their affordability and accessibility.

Manufacturers are required to conduct an inventory of affected products and oversee their destruction in the presence of NAFDAC officials, bearing the costs of this process. The agency warned that violations could lead to regulatory sanctions.

This initiative aligns with the recently launched Nigeria Alcohol Policy and its Multisectoral Implementation Plan for 2026–2030, which aims to address harmful alcohol use. Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, emphasized the need for coordinated action among various stakeholders to tackle alcohol-related harm, which poses significant public health challenges.