July 10 (THEWILL) — The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public health alert over two banned alcoholic energy drinks recently confiscated in Ghana, warning Nigerians against importing, distributing, selling or consuming the products due to the serious health risks they pose.
The warning, contained in Public Alert No. 032/2026 issued on Friday, followed a notification received from the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), which confiscated approximately 140 boxes of the prohibited beverages during regulatory enforcement operations in the Upper East Region of the country.
According to NAFDAC, the seized products, Bel Ice Vodka Energy Drink and Cody’s Vody Energy Mix, had previously been banned from sale and distribution in Ghana because of concerns over the dangerous combination of alcohol and stimulant ingredients commonly found in energy drinks.
The agency explained that alcoholic energy drinks pose significant health risks because stimulants can mask the effects of alcohol intoxication, leading consumers to underestimate their level of impairment and consume more alcohol than they otherwise would.
It noted that young adults and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the dangers associated with such beverages, including excessive alcohol consumption, impaired judgement and coordination, increased risk-taking behaviour, dehydration, sleep disturbances, and cardiovascular complications such as elevated heart rate and high blood pressure.
NAFDAC also warned that the consumption of alcoholic energy drinks could increase the likelihood of alcohol-related injuries, accidents and other harmful health outcomes.
To prevent the products from entering the Nigerian market, the agency directed all importers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers to ensure that the affected drinks are not imported, distributed, marketed or sold anywhere in the country.
It further advised beverage dealers to verify that all products offered for sale are duly registered with NAFDAC and comply with the agency’s regulatory requirements.
NAFDAC urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspected presence of Bel Ice Vodka Energy Drink or Cody’s Vody Energy Mix within Nigeria’s supply chain to the nearest NAFDAC office.
The agency also encouraged consumers to report any adverse events linked to the consumption of the products through its e-reporting platforms or at any NAFDAC office nationwide.
The alert, the agency said, forms part of its ongoing post-market surveillance and collaboration with international regulatory authorities to prevent unsafe and prohibited products from reaching Nigerian consumers and to safeguard public health.
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