Officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have stormed an alcoholic-producing company in Osun State, Oriade Distillers Limited, putting the factory on hold for having banned alcoholic beverages in its store.
NAFDAC had announced that as of January 31st, 2024, alcoholic beverages in sachets, PET, and glass bottles of 200ml and below were no longer registered by NAFDAC.
Speaking with newsmen, after busting the company, the Assistant Director, NAFDAC Investigation and Enforcement, Mr Dare Moses, said about 40 cartons of the banned drinks were evacuated from the factory.
Although the company was not operating when the officials stormed the place, there was alcohol in these categories in the factory.
The official said the move was part of its ongoing nationwide sensitisation and enforcement against the intake of alcoholic beverages in sachets, PET, and glass bottles of 200ml and below.
He maintained that the exercise was aimed at reducing the excess intake of alcohol especially by teenagers.
He said, “We are here presently in Osun State for the nationwide sensitisation about the concern and abuse of alcoholic drinks especially by the young ones.
“NAFDAC has already given a directive that every alcoholic product from 200ml downward should be taken off the market.
“This is one of the manufacturing companies in Ilesa, Osun State and we are evacuating the drinks in small bottles as sachets.
“We found about 40 cartons of the drinks here and some other packaging materials that have been moved.
“This is just the beginning and it will be an ongoing exercise. The exercise is going on nationwide and we will continue till we rid the market of the products.”