NAFDAC orders nationwide recall of banned sachet, sub-200ml alcohol drinks

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has ordered manufacturers of alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET/plastic bottles below 200ml to immediately recall all banned products from markets nationwide.

The agency announced on Monday that the recall is part of its intensified enforcement of the Federal Government’s ban, which took full effect on January 1, 2026, after the expiration of all industry transition periods.

According to NAFDAC, manufacturers found in violation must sign Irrevocable Enforcement Undertakings through the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria, (DIBAN), and the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE).

They are also required to begin nationwide mop-up of prohibited products and submit periodic compliance reports to the agency.

“All recalled products will be inventoried and destroyed under NAFDAC supervision at the cost of the manufacturers,” the agency said.

The ban, first raised in 2018 over concerns about cheap, high-alcohol drinks being easily accessed by minors, operated under a five-year grace period. That deadline was extended to December 31, 2025.

Enforcement began with factories and has now moved to markets, motor parks, retail shops, bars and distribution centers across the country.

NAFDAC added that no affected factory will be allowed to reopen until its officials verify that production lines for sachets and bottles below 200ml have been dismantled, permanently disabled, or reconfigured to produce larger sizes.

Companies that fail to comply face continued closure, placement on NAFDAC’s Regulatory Watchlist, suspension or revocation of product registrations, and possible legal prosecution.

Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said the recall and destruction exercise is a public health measure aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm, especially among children and young people.

She urged members of the public to report any company, distributor or retailer still selling the banned pack sizes through NAFDAC’s official channels or at the nearest NAFDAC office.