By Fortune Mbonu
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a suspected counterfeit drinks production facility at Zamfara Plaza, BBA Trade Fair Complex, Lagos State, arresting two suspects allegedly involved in revalidating energy drinks and popular wine and whisky brands.
In a post on X on Tuesday, the agency shared a video showing stacks of Bullet energy drinks, empty alcoholic beverage bottles, bottle caps, corks, labels and packaging materials scattered across the facility. A bottle of Martell cognac was also seen among the materials.
The discovery has renewed concerns about the circulation of counterfeit beverages in Nigeria and the potential health risks they pose to unsuspecting consumers.
Counterfeit drinks may contain contaminated or unknown substances, while adulterated alcoholic beverages can expose consumers to toxic chemicals such as methanol, which can cause blindness or death.
How Nigerians Can Protect Themselves
Consumers are advised to take the following precautions:
- Buy from trusted sellers: Purchase drinks from reputable shops and authorised distributors.
- Inspect packaging: Avoid products with broken seals, damaged caps, altered labels or signs of tampering.
- Check product details: Examine batch numbers, expiry dates and manufacturer information, but remember that counterfeiters can imitate genuine labels.
- Beware of unusually cheap products: Extremely low prices from unverified sellers may be a warning sign.
- Avoid suspicious drinks: Do not taste a beverage to determine whether it is safe. Unusual appearance or smell should prompt caution, although normal appearance does not guarantee safety.
- Report suspicious products: Notify NAFDAC, providing details of the product and where it was purchased.
- Seek urgent medical care: Anyone who develops symptoms after consuming a suspicious drink should seek immediate medical attention. Blurred vision, confusion, vomiting and breathing difficulties are particularly concerning.
Strengthening Consumer Protection
NAFDAC’s discovery highlights the need for stronger market surveillance, effective enforcement and cooperation among regulators, manufacturers, distributors and retailers.
While consumers must remain vigilant, authorities also have a responsibility to investigate suspected illegal production, identify affected products and ensure that appropriate action is taken where violations are confirmed.
Ultimately, protecting Nigerians from counterfeit beverages requires effective regulation and informed purchasing decisions. Consumers should remember that familiar brand names and convincing packaging do not always guarantee authenticity.
