The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ondo Chapter, has expressed concern over the circulation of fake and adulterated alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in the state, warning of serious public health risks.
The state NMA Chairman, Dr Roland Arohunmolase, said this at a news conference in Akure on Monday, calling for urgent government intervention to protect residents from the dangers.
He called on governments at all levels and relevant regulatory agencies to urgently clamp down on producers and distributors of the unwholesome beverages circulating across the state.
Arohunmolase said the circulation of counterfeit beverages was no longer limited to informal markets, as the products had allegedly infiltrated supermarkets, hotels, bars and other retail outlets.
He described the situation as a growing public health emergency requiring immediate intervention to protect residents from potentially life-threatening diseases associated with consuming contaminated beverages.
According to him, medical professionals had observed an alarming rise in cases of liver cirrhosis, kidney failure and acute intoxication among patients whose conditions appeared unusual.
He attributed the potential health risks to adulterated beverages allegedly produced under unhygienic conditions using industrial chemicals, methanol and contaminated water, which could seriously endanger consumers.
The NMA chairman warned that exposure to such substances could cause acute poisoning and irreversible damage to vital organs, urging authorities to take immediate action against offenders.
He called on the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), working with relevant state authorities, to begin an aggressive statewide crackdown on counterfeit beverage producers and distributors.
He urged the authorities to conduct unannounced inspections of markets, supermarkets, hotels, bars and shops suspected of selling fake products to ensure compliance with established safety standards.
Arohunmolase also called for the seizure and destruction of beverages that failed to meet safety and quality standards, alongside the prosecution of manufacturers, distributors and retailers found culpable.
The chairman urged beverage manufacturers to strengthen measures to protect their brands and consumers against counterfeiting, emphasising the need for improved product authentication and effective monitoring systems.
He recommended tamper-proof holographic seals, unique QR codes and alphanumeric tracking systems to enable consumers to verify product authenticity and distinguish genuine beverages from counterfeit alternatives.
He also called for improved supply-chain monitoring to identify and prevent the diversion of genuine products into unauthorised distribution channels, thereby protecting consumers from potentially dangerous beverages.
The NMA chairman advised consumers to be wary of drinks sold at prices significantly below prevailing market rates and to carefully inspect product seals and packaging before purchase.
He urged residents to avoid beverages with broken or poorly applied seals and report suspicious products and outlets to the appropriate authorities for prompt investigation and necessary action.
Arohunmolase reaffirmed the association’s commitment to protecting the public, urging government, manufacturers, retailers and consumers to treat the threat posed by counterfeit beverages with the seriousness it deserved.