The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down three factories in Ogun State for allegedly producing alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles smaller than 200ml, in violation of a Federal Government ban.
The enforcement operation took place in Sango-Ota and Idi-Iroko, targeting Intercontinental Distilleries Ltd., Shashi Distillery Ltd., and an unnamed facility linked to Nigeria Distillery Ltd.
Addressing journalists on Monday, Mr. Kunle Ojo, Assistant Director in NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, explained that the action was part of the agency’s second phase of a nationwide clampdown on the illegal packaging of alcoholic drinks.
Ojo noted that although an initial inspection of Nigeria Distillery Ltd. on Idi-Iroko Road revealed no signs of unlawful activity, new intelligence received on July 24 led officials to a different factory allegedly operated by the company. There, inspectors discovered prohibited packaging materials, including sachet nylons and containers designed for alcoholic drinks under the approved 200ml limit.
“We found countless 100ml bottles, sachet packaging materials, and ongoing production of sachet alcohol at the site,” Ojo said. “We also observed that after sealing the factory, some items found during our earlier visit on Friday were missing, which constitutes a serious violation and will be addressed administratively.”
Ojo added that NAFDAC had previously inspected Intercontinental Distilleries and Shashi Distillery in January, halting 22 machines used to produce sachet alcohol and removing banned packaging materials. However, during a follow-up visit on July 24, officials found the facilities had resumed production using prohibited materials, prompting NAFDAC to seal the premises.
“When we returned last week, we discovered both old packaging materials and machines previously placed on hold were again being used to make banned products. This is why we decided to close the entire factory,” Ojo stated.
NAFDAC began enforcing the federal ban on sachet alcohol and alcoholic drinks in PET bottles under 200ml in January.
Ojo emphasized the agency’s commitment to sustaining enforcement efforts to eliminate illegal alcoholic beverages from the market and protect public health. He urged the public to report any suspected production or distribution of banned alcoholic drinks to the nearest NAFDAC office.
