THE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has said it is working to phase out high concentration alcohol in sachet and small Poly-Ethylene Terephthalate (PET) or glass bottles.
Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, made the disclosure in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.
Adeyeye described alcohol as 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 said, “NAFDAC wishes to bring to the attention of the general public, concerns relating to the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small volume glass and Poly-Ethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles.
“These concerns relate to negative effects of irresponsible alcohol consumption on public health and on the safety and security of the public.
“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.
“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, is increasing efforts to stem this.
“It was agreed that no new products in sachet and small volume PET or glass bottles above 30 per cent ABV will be registered by NAFDAC.
“Furthermore, to reduce availability and curb abuse, effective Jan. 31, 2020, producers of alcohol in sachets and small volume PET and glass bottles are to reduce production by 50 per cent of capacity.
“The overall goal is a complete phase out of high concentration alcohol in sachet and small PET and glass bottles in line with the agreed roadmap.”
