NAFDAC Issues Fresh Warning to Alcoholic Drink Manufacturers on Sachet and Small PET Bottles

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a stark reminder to producers of sachet and sub‑200ml PET/plastic alcoholic beverages. In a post on its official Instagram handle @nafdac_ng, the regulator said manufacturers who keep these products in the market will be met with regulatory sanctions, including the possible closure of production facilities.

Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC Director‑General, reiterated the agency’s position during a brief press briefing. “Manufacturers who continue to produce or allow sachet and sub‑200ml PET/plastic alcoholic beverages to remain in circulation will face regulatory sanctions,” she said. The statement follows a series of inspections carried out across Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt where several unregistered batches were seized.

The warning specifically targets sachet‑packaged spirits, locally known as “sachet drinks,” and PET bottles under 200ml that are popular among youths and low‑income earners. NAFDAC flagged these formats as high‑risk because they are easy to hide, often lack proper labeling, and are prone to adulteration with harmful substances such as methanol or industrial alcohol.

In recent months, the agency has shut down three manufacturing plants in the country for breaching the 200ml limit and for failing to submit lab‑tested certificates of analysis. The closures resulted in temporary loss of jobs for about 250 workers, but NAFDAC officials argue that public health must take precedence over short‑term economic concerns.

Consumers have been urged to verify the authenticity of alcoholic beverages by checking for NAFDAC registration numbers on the label or by scanning the QR code provided on approved products. The regulator also reminded retailers that selling unapproved sachet drinks can attract fines up to N200,000 and possible imprisonment for up to two years.

Industry bodies, including the Nigerian Breweries Association, have expressed willingness to cooperate with the agency. Their spokesperson, Mr. Chinedu Okonkwo, said, “We support NAFDAC’s efforts to protect consumers. Our members are already moving to phase out sachet alcohol and replace it with larger, safer packaging.”

The crackdown comes amid rising concerns over alcohol‑related health incidents, especially among teenagers. Hospital records from the Ministry of Health show a 12% increase in emergency admissions due to alcohol poisoning in the last quarter of 2025, a trend linked to the unregulated sachet market.

NAFDAC has promised to keep the pressure on non‑compliant manufacturers and to work with customs officials to stop the influx of illegal alcoholic products at the borders. The agency’s next enforcement drive is slated for September, targeting major distribution hubs in the country.

Stakeholders are advised to review their product lines, ensure full compliance with the agency’s standards, and submit all required documentation before the end of the month to avoid punitive action.

This development underscores the government’s broader push to tighten food and drug regulations, safeguard public health, and curb the growing menace of cheap, unregulated alcohol that endangers lives across Nigeria.