The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued an urgent warning to Nigerians regarding two specific alcoholic energy drinks recently confiscated by Ghanaian authorities.
In a public alert designated No. 032/2026, the agency cautioned importers, distributors, and consumers against the circulation or consumption of Bel Ice Vodka Energy Drink and Cody’s Vody Energy Mix.
Regulatory Action and Background
The alert follows a regulatory enforcement operation by the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), which resulted in the seizure of approximately 140 boxes of these products in Ghana’s Upper East Region. The products, manufactured by Bel Beverages (Ghana) and Jens Warneke Export GmbH (Germany) respectively, have been prohibited from the market due to significant safety concerns.
NAFDAC noted that these drinks were banned primarily due to the inherent dangers of combining alcohol with stimulants.
Health Risks of Stimulant-Mixed Alcohol
Health experts and regulatory bodies emphasize that the stimulant ingredients in these energy drinks effectively mask the depressant effects of alcohol. This creates a dangerous “masking effect” where consumers may feel more alert than they actually are, leading them to underestimate their level of impairment.
The risks associated with consuming these mixtures include:
- Excessive Consumption: Because the stimulant masks intoxication, individuals may consume more alcohol than they would otherwise, increasing the risk of alcohol poisoning.
- Physical Complications: Users may experience increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, severe dehydration, and sleep disturbances.
- Behavioral Impairment: The combination often leads to impaired judgment and loss of coordination, heightening the risk of accidents and dangerous, impulsive behaviors.
- Vulnerability of Youth: NAFDAC highlighted that adolescents and young adults are particularly susceptible to these health hazards.
Call to Action
NAFDAC is currently conducting post-market surveillance to ensure these products do not enter the Nigerian supply chain. The agency has directed the following:
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- For Dealers: Importers, wholesalers, and retailers must ensure these products are not marketed or sold in Nigeria. All beverages must comply with NAFDAC registration and regulatory requirements.
- For Consumers: The public is urged to avoid these products. Any sighting of these drinks in local markets should be reported immediately to the nearest NAFDAC office or via the e-reporting platforms on the official NAFDAC website.
For further inquiries or to report adverse events, the public can contact NAFDAC’s Reforms Unit at 09097630506 or 09097630507, or email reforms@nafdac.gov.ng.