Locally Brewed Alcoholic Drinks Dangerous, Government Warns Residents

The Ogun State Government has raised an alarm about the risks associated with consuming locally brewed alcoholic drinks and other products not approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

In a statement, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Tomi Coker, expressed concern following reports of eleven cases of severe illnesses and tragically, eight deaths, all directly linked to the consumption of locally brewed alcoholic products.

Coker revealed that these incidents occurred between July 18 and 20 this year in two local government areas (LGAs) in Ogun State, namely Ijebu North-East and Odogbolu.

As a response, the Ministry of Health has initiated a thorough investigation into the source and nature of the hazardous products.

She urged the public to exercise extreme caution and refrain from consuming drinks from unverified sources while the investigation was on-going.

Coker emphasized the importance of consuming only products that had been officially approved and certified by NAFDAC.

The unauthorised production and distribution of alcoholic beverages and other consumable items pose significant health risks, as they are often manufactured in unregulated and unhygienic conditions, making them potential breeding grounds for harmful substances and toxins.

Coker stated: “Such substances can lead to severe health complications and, in some cases, fatal outcomes, as evidenced by the recent incidents in Ijebu North-East and Odogbolu LGAs.

We hereby urge the public to report any suspicious locally brewed alcoholic drink to the appropriate authorities or NAFDAC.”

The Special Adviser emphasized the importance of reporting any case of illness or death after consuming similar products, including herbal concoctions, to the nearest government hospital.

She reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents, emphasizing that collaborative efforts between the government, regulatory bodies, and the public are paramount in combating the sale and consumption of harmful products.