‎NMA Raises Alarm Over Circulation Of Fake Drinks In Ondo

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ondo State chapter, has raised the alarm over the circulation of counterfeit and adulterated alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in the state, calling for an urgent crackdown on their production and distribution.

‎The state chairman of the association, Dr Roland Bola Arohunmolase, made the call at a news conference in Akure, warning that the sale of fake drinks posed serious risks to public health.

‎Arohunmolase expressed concern that counterfeit beverages were allegedly no longer confined to informal markets but had also found their way into supermarkets, hotels, bars and other retail outlets.

‎He described the situation as a growing public health concern requiring immediate intervention by the government and relevant regulatory agencies.

‎According to him, medical professionals have observed an alarming rise in cases of liver cirrhosis, kidney failure and acute intoxication among patients whose conditions appear unusual.

‎He warned that adulterated beverages allegedly produced under unhygienic conditions using industrial chemicals, methanol and contaminated water could expose consumers to severe health complications.

‎The NMA chairman said exposure to harmful substances could cause acute poisoning and irreversible damage to vital organs, urging authorities to act swiftly to prevent further risks to consumers.

‎He called on the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), in collaboration with relevant state authorities and other regulatory agencies, to launch a statewide crackdown on counterfeit beverages.

‎Arohunmolase also urged the authorities to conduct unannounced inspections of markets, supermarkets, hotels, bars and shops suspected of selling fake drinks.

‎He called for the seizure and destruction of beverages that fail to meet applicable safety and quality standards, as well as the prosecution of manufacturers, distributors and retailers found culpable.

‎He said, “The circulation of counterfeit and adulterated alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in Ondo State is a growing public health concern that requires urgent intervention.

‎”These products are allegedly finding their way into supermarkets, hotels, bars and other retail outlets, exposing unsuspecting consumers to potentially dangerous substances that could cause acute poisoning and irreversible damage to vital organs.

“We call on the government, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and other relevant regulatory agencies to intensify inspections, clamp down on the production and distribution of fake drinks, seize unsafe products and prosecute those found culpable.”

‎The association also urged beverage manufacturers to strengthen measures to protect their brands and consumers against counterfeiting.

‎”We also urge beverage manufacturers to strengthen anti-counterfeiting measures and advise consumers to inspect product seals and packaging carefully and report suspicious beverages to the appropriate authorities,” he added.

‎Arohunmolase recommended the use of tamper-proof holographic seals, unique Quick Response (QR) codes and alphanumeric tracking systems to enable consumers to verify the authenticity of beverages.

‎He further advocated improved monitoring of supply chains to identify and prevent the diversion of genuine products into unauthorised distribution channels.

‎The NMA chairman advised consumers to be wary of drinks sold at prices significantly below prevailing market rates and to inspect product packaging and seals carefully before purchase.

‎He urged residents to avoid beverages with broken or poorly fitted seals and report suspicious products and outlets to the appropriate authorities.