The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a fresh warning to Nigerians following the seizure of large quantities of banned alcoholic energy drinks by authorities in Ghana. Read original
About 140 boxes of the products were confiscated during a regulatory operation carried out by Ghana's Food and Drugs Authority in the Upper East Region, prompting concerns that the beverages could find their way into neighbouring countries, including Nigeria. Continue reading...
In a public alert released on its website, NAFDAC identified the affected products as Bel Ice Vodka Energy Drink, manufactured by Bel Beverages in Ghana, and Cody's Vody Energy Mix, produced by Germany-based Jens Warneke Export GmbH.
The agency explained that the drinks had previously been banned because of the health risks linked to combining alcohol with stimulant ingredients commonly found in energy beverages.
According to NAFDAC, the stimulant content can make consumers feel less intoxicated than they actually are, increasing the likelihood of excessive alcohol intake and dangerous behaviour.
"Alcoholic energy drinks may pose significant health risks because the stimulant ingredients can mask the effects of alcohol intoxication, potentially leading consumers to underestimate their level of impairment," the agency stated.
Health experts have long warned that such products can encourage risky decisions, especially among young people who may not immediately recognize the effects of alcohol on their bodies.
NAFDAC further noted that adolescents and young adults are particularly vulnerable to complications associated with these drinks.
The agency said users could face several health challenges, including impaired judgment, poor coordination, dehydration, sleep disturbances, elevated blood pressure, and increased heart rate.
"Young adults and adolescents may be particularly vulnerable to risks such as excessive alcohol consumption, increased risk-taking behaviours, impaired judgment and coordination, cardiovascular effects such as increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure," the statement added.
As part of efforts to safeguard public health, NAFDAC said it has intensified market surveillance and regulatory monitoring across Nigeria to prevent the circulation of the affected products.
The regulator warned that sanctions would be imposed on any individual or business found importing, distributing, marketing, or selling the beverages within the country.
Importers, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers have been advised to verify that all beverages in circulation comply with NAFDAC's registration requirements before making purchases or sales.
The agency also encouraged Nigerians to report any sighting of the products or health incidents linked to their consumption through the nearest NAFDAC office or its official reporting channels.
"NAFDAC will continue regulatory monitoring to protect public health and prevent unsafe products from entering the Nigerian market," the agency assured.
The latest alert highlights growing concerns among regulators about products that combine alcohol and stimulants, a mixture health authorities say can create a false sense of alertness while the effects of alcohol continue to impair the body.