As Christmas approaches, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) wants Nigerians to be wary of the spirits, gins and wines they consume to avoid adulteration.
NAFDAC’s Ports Head in Enugu State, Mr. John Okwori, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu that the agency recently found out that beverage fakers were focusing on these drinks.
NAN reports that the agency recently seized 11 large cartoons of fake Chelsea Dry Gin labels which could be used to package gins worth N64.76 million.
NAFDAC also tracked down and confiscated a large number of fake labels of Amarula drinks.
Okwori, a deputy director in NAFDAC, said that the agency had commenced a nationwide massive mop-up of these products.
“Apart from the tracking of fake labels imported into the country, the agency is currently doing a mop-up of substandard, expired and fake spirits, gins and wines in the market.
“But we need the co-operation of every Nigeria on this issue.
“Our people should be wary of spirits, gins and wines they buy; they should securitise them to see that NAFDAC numbers, production dates, manufacturers and countries of origin are well spelt out.
“There should be a closer look at the labels to see that they are the normal and regular labels.
“They should also watch out for the colour of the drink through its container, whether it conforms to the original colour.
“If there is anything wrong in all these I have mentioned, do not buy the drink.
“Your safety and that of your loved ones, who you are giving or sharing the drink with, should come first,’’ he said.
The director urged Nigerians to promptly report to the nearest NAFDAC office, about any drink they might suspect to be fake.
“NAFDAC offices are open for public complaints, enquiries and advice every working day,’’ he said.
Okwori warned that consuming adulterated drinks could damage vital organs.
“It can lead to kidney, liver or heart complications as well as diseases, especially when such injurious drinks are consumed in large quantities due to the euphoria of the yuletide season,’’ he said.
NAN
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