The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced mopping up banned alcoholic drinks in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate bottles.

Naija News reports that NAFDAC personnel at Wuse Market in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Friday, carried out seizures of some of the alcoholic beverages.

According to the agency, products worth over ₦52 million were seized during the operation.

NAFDAC emphasized that manufacturers of the banned alcoholic drinks had been warned to stop production before the enforcement exercise.

“NAFDAC has commenced the withdrawal and mop-up of banned alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles smaller than 200ml in Abuja’s Wuse Market.

“Products worth over ₦52 million were seized during the operation.

“The ban, initiated in 2018, followed a ministerial directive and agreements with key stakeholders, including the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN), the Association of Food Beverage & Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) and Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

“Manufacturers were given a phased timeline to halt the production and distribution of these products, culminating in this total enforcement phase,” it read.

NAFDAC further warned manufacturers, retailers, and distributors to cease production, sale, and distribution of the banned items.

The agency also advised the public to avoid purchasing these products, as they pose significant health risks, particularly to children, stating that violators will face strict penalties as outlined in the Agency’s regulations.