The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced enforcement against alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml (20cl) across Ogun State.
The State Coordinator of NAFDAC Ogun Office 1, Mr. Akinwale Fagoroye, disclosed this when he led officials of the agency on a visit to the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, at the Command Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta.
Fagoroye said the enforcement exercise, which commenced in Abeokuta, was being extended to other parts of the state and would continue until full compliance was achieved.
He said the exercise was part of NAFDAC’s efforts to protect public health and reduce the harmful effects associated with easy access to cheap and highly portable alcoholic drinks, particularly among children and young people.
According to him, NAFDAC enforcement teams are carrying out checks at markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars, warehouses, factories and other locations where regulated products are produced, stored or sold.
He urged manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers and consumers to comply with the directive and cooperate with NAFDAC officials during enforcement operations.
Fagoroye added that the agency would also take action against fake, unregistered, substandard, adulterated, expired or wrongly labelled regulated products, as well as facilities operating without the required approvals.
Responding, CP Ojajuni commended NAFDAC for its efforts to protect public health and assured the delegation of the Police Command’s continued cooperation and necessary security support during lawful enforcement operations.
The Commissioner said the Police were also enforcing the Liquor Act and other applicable laws regulating the sale and distribution of alcoholic drinks within the state.
He explained that the enforcement was aimed at preventing unlawful sale and distribution of alcoholic drinks and curbing activities that could endanger public safety, particularly those exposing young people to harmful practices.
Ojajuni stressed that the Police and NAFDAC would continue to collaborate within their respective mandates to ensure compliance with the law and protect residents from activities and products that could pose risks to their health and safety.
He urged manufacturers, distributors, sellers and consumers across the state to comply with relevant regulations and cooperate with authorised enforcement officers.
The Commissioner also called on members of the public to report suspected fake, unsafe or unapproved products, as well as illegal alcohol-related activities, to the appropriate authorities.
