As the festive season approaches, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has called on Nigerians to remain cautious about the growing menace of fake and adulterated drinks flooding the markets. This warning comes in light of concerns over the health risks posed by fake products, especially during high-demand periods like Christmas and New Year celebrations. They further urged the public to prioritise safety by inspecting products carefully and avoiding purchases from unregulated vendors. Fake alcoholic beverages, often produced in unregulated and unhygienic conditions, copy the Packaging of legitimate brands to deceive unsuspecting buyers.
These unlegalised drinks lack proper safety checks and frequently contain toxic substances that can have devastating effects on human health. Also, it is manufactured illegally, often in unlicensed distilleries or even homes, with the intent to replicate well-known brands. Unlike legitimate products, which contain ethanol, a substance safely derived from the fermentation of fruits or cereals, fake drinks may include harmful additives such as methanol, a toxic compound responsible for severe health complications. These dangers extend beyond alcohol, as contaminated food and drugs also saturate markets during the festive season, affecting the well-being of many people.
Health dangers linked to consuming unlegalised and adulterated drinks.
Furthermore, they have expressed concern over how these substandard products exploit economic hardships, pushing many to go for cheaper, unregulated alternatives without considering the consequences. The health implications of consuming it are alarming. Fake drinks are often laced with harmful chemicals, which can lead to immediate symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, or abdominal pain. In severe cases, individuals may suffer from respiratory problems, organ failure, or even blindness due to the toxic effects of substances like methanol. Data from global health organisations reveal the gravity of this issue. Methanol poisoning alone has been linked to thousands of deaths annually, with victims often experiencing irreversible damage to their vision or vital organs.
In response to the growing concern, the agency has outlined measures to help Nigerians avoid falling victim to unlegalised products. People should prioritise purchasing drinks and medicines only from licensed retailers or certified pharmacy outlets. While these options may be pricier, safety assurance outweighs the risks of cheaper, unverified alternatives. Identifying fake drinks requires careful attention to packaging, price, and place of purchase. Items sold below standard pricing or lacking proper labeling, such as missing registration numbers or expiry dates, are likely counterfeit. Additionally, products with unusual packaging, misspellings, or unfamiliar odours resembling chemicals like nail polish remover should be avoided.
Its effects on health, economy, and trust in regulatory systems.
Meanwhile, its spread endangers Public Health and has significant economic and social consequences. The loss of Government Revenue from illegal alcohol production and the strain on public healthcare systems underscores the need for stricter regulations and consumer education. Beyond drinks, the focus should be on using harmful substances like bromate and saccharin in bread production. Bakeries using these banned ingredients face severe penalties, as such practices compromise health standards and public trust. The agency has further extended its crackdown to substandard water production and unhygienic factory environments, ensuring that registered products maintain their original quality.
Nigerians must adopt proactive measures to stay safe during the festivities. A crucial step is to check all consumables for NAFDAC’s registration number and expiry date. People should also remain sceptical of products with suspiciously low prices or those sold by roadside vendors. Awareness campaigns and immediate reporting of suspected irregular activities to NAFDAC can help curb the proliferation of fake goods. Moreover, the agency’s post-marketing surveillance plays a vital role in maintaining market standards. By regularly inspecting registered products and shutting down non-compliant facilities, NAFDAC ensures that the quality of goods aligns with approved safety protocols.
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Lastly, protecting public health extends beyond regulatory bodies to every individual. By making informed purchasing decisions and spreading awareness, Nigerians can collectively mitigate the risks posed by counterfeit products. The festive season should be a time of joy and celebration, not one marred by preventable tragedies linked to fake goods. As the season approaches, NAFDAC’s reminder serves as a timely warning. Staying vigilant and adhering to safety guidelines will ensure this year’s celebrations remain safe and healthy.