In a bold statement that seeks to clarify the situation, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has emphatically denied rumors suggesting that the Federal Government has instructed it to stop enforcing regulations on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic beverages. This assertion has been labeled as "false and misleading" by the agency.
On Wednesday, NAFDAC released an official statement, signed by its Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, which counters these claims. The agency firmly stated that no formal communication from the government has been received that would necessitate a pause in their regulatory efforts concerning sachet alcohol products.
"The publication in question is inaccurate, misleading, and does not accurately reflect any official correspondence received by our agency from the Federal Government," NAFDAC declared.
The agency went on to emphasize its commitment to function strictly within the boundaries of its legal responsibilities and in accordance with properly communicated government policies. They reaffirmed that their enforcement actions are guided by the current laws and regulatory frameworks in place.
"At no point has NAFDAC received any formal direction to suspend its regulatory or enforcement activities pertaining to sachet alcohol products," Adeyeye reiterated.
Furthermore, NAFDAC reiterated its dedication to protecting public health and ensuring compliance throughout the food and beverage industry. They made it clear that any changes affecting national regulatory actions would be officially communicated via appropriate government channels.
The agency also issued a warning against the dissemination of unverified information, highlighting that such reports can lead to unnecessary public anxiety, economic instability, and misinterpretations of government policy.
"NAFDAC urges the public, industry stakeholders, and media representatives to dismiss the erroneous report and rely solely on verified information released through the agency’s official channels and authorized government communications," Adeyeye advised.
This clarification comes at a time when sachet alcohol products are under close regulatory examination due to ongoing concerns regarding their availability and potential misuse, especially among the youth. NAFDAC remains committed to prioritizing public health, economic stability, and the overall national interest.
