The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has alerted Nigerians to the circulation of banned alcoholic energy drinks after Ghanaian authorities confiscated about 140 boxes of the products during regulatory enforcement.
NAFDAC, in a public alert posted on its website, said the products were seized by the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority in the Upper East Region due to concerns about their safety and regulatory status.
The agency said that the affected products had previously been prohibited from sale and distribution because of the potential health risks linked to combining alcohol with stimulant ingredients commonly found in energy drinks.
The agency identified the products as Bel Ice Vodka Energy Drink, manufactured by Bel Beverages, Ghana, and Cody’s Vody Energy Mix, produced by Jens Warneke Export GmbH, Bremen, Germany.
NAFDAC warned that alcoholic energy drinks could pose health problems because stimulants may mask the effects of alcohol intoxication, causing consumers to underestimate their level of impairment.
It stated that the products may expose users, especially young adults and adolescents, to excessive alcohol intake, increased risk-taking behaviour, poor judgment and impaired coordination.
The agency further warned that consumption may trigger cardiovascular effects such as increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure.
“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.
“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, dehydration and sleep disturbances, increased risk of alcohol-related injuries and accidents,” the statement read.
NAFDAC said it had commenced post-market surveillance and regulatory monitoring activities to prevent the circulation of unapproved or potentially unsafe products in Nigeria.
The agency added that regulatory action would be taken against individuals or organisations found importing, distributing or selling the products.
It advised importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers and consumers to ensure the affected beverages are not imported, marketed, distributed or sold within Nigeria.
NAFDAC also urged businesses to verify that beverages offered for sale comply with the agency’s registration and regulatory requirements.
Consumers were encouraged to report sightings of the products or any adverse events linked to their consumption to the nearest NAFDAC office or through the agency’s electronic reporting platforms.
“NAFDAC will continue regulatory monitoring to protect public health and prevent unsafe products from entering the Nigerian market,” the agency stated.
Credit: healthwise.punchng.com
