Agency urges Nigerians not to import, distribute or consume the products after Ghana confiscated 140 boxes over health concerns
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians against importing, distributing, selling or consuming two banned alcoholic energy drinks following their confiscation by Ghanaian regulatory authorities over safety concerns.
Also read: NAFDAC issues urgent alert over recalled children’s Ibuprofen
The warning was contained in Public Alert No. 032/2026, issued on Friday, after the agency received notification from the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority that approximately 140 boxes of the products had been seized during a regulatory enforcement operation in the Upper East Region of Ghana.
The affected products are Bel Ice Vodka Energy Drink and Cody’s Vody Energy Mix.
According to NAFDAC, the products had previously been prohibited from sale and distribution because of concerns about the health risks associated with combining alcohol and stimulant ingredients commonly found in energy drinks.
“The product had previously been prohibited from sale and distribution because of the potential health risks associated with the combination of alcohol and stimulants commonly found in energy drinks,” the agency said.
NAFDAC explained that the combination of stimulants and alcohol can make consumers feel less intoxicated than they actually are, increasing the likelihood of excessive drinking and other risky behaviour.
“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,” the agency stated.
The regulator warned that young adults and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of such beverages, including excessive alcohol consumption, impaired judgement and coordination, cardiovascular complications, dehydration, sleep disturbances, and a higher risk of alcohol-related injuries and accidents.
As part of its advisory, NAFDAC directed importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers and consumers to ensure that the affected products are not imported into or circulated within Nigeria.
The agency also urged beverage dealers to verify that all products offered for sale comply with NAFDAC’s registration and regulatory requirements before making them available to consumers.
In addition, NAFDAC encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected presence of the products within Nigeria’s supply chain.
“Consumers are encouraged to report any sightings of the products or any adverse events associated with their consumption to the nearest NAFDAC office or using the e-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website,” the agency added.
The latest advisory reflects NAFDAC’s continued collaboration with regional regulatory authorities to prevent unsafe food, beverages and pharmaceutical products from entering the Nigerian market.
Also read: NAFDAC shuts 16 illegal water factories in Rivers
Through its public alert system, the agency regularly notifies consumers and industry stakeholders of products that have been banned, recalled or identified as posing potential health risks in Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
