The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a stern warning to Nigerians following the arrest of Chinedu Okafor, who was allegedly operating an illegal alcohol factory in the Badagry area of Lagos State.
The agency cautioned against the consumption of counterfeit alcohol, highlighting the grave health risks associated with such products.
Drinking fake alcohol, NAFDAC emphasized, can lead to severe health complications including slow breathing, abdominal pain, kidney failure, and even death.
In a statement released by NAFDAC’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, on Sunday, the agency underscored the dangers posed by methanol, a substance often used in fake vodka, which may cause permanent blindness.
“Drinking adulterated alcohol can cause nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, drowsiness, and dizziness, blue tinged or pale skin, irregular or slow breathing, low body temperature, unconsciousness or passing out. It can also lead to kidney and liver failure or even death. Methanol, a substance which can be used in fake vodka, may cause permanent blindness,” the statement read.
Citing alarming statistics from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), NAFDAC revealed the global toll of alcohol poisoning, with over three million deaths recorded worldwide. Additionally, it pointed out that one in every 10 cancer cases in Nigeria is attributable to alcohol consumption.
NAFDAC urged Nigerians to exercise caution when purchasing alcoholic beverages, advising consumers to scrutinize branded drinks to distinguish them from counterfeits. The agency emphasized the importance of purchasing only NAFDAC registered drinks from reputable and licensed retailers, bars, and supermarkets, cautioning against suspiciously low-priced products.
“The DG, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye reiterated that NAFDAC will continue to ensure that the level of counterfeit products nationwide is brought to the nearest minimum so that our people will continue to consume only healthy and safe products.”
“The public is enjoined to report any suspicious activity of illegal producers of adulterated products or similar activities to the nearest NAFDAC office nationwide,” the statement concluded.
