The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has clarified its position on the sale of locally prepared Zobo drinks following a viral video showing police officers asking a vendor to produce a NAFDAC registration number.
According to the clarification, Zobo and similar locally prepared drinks sold in ordinary containers without packaging, sealing or labelling do not fall under NAFDAC’s product registration requirements in the same way as packaged beverages.
The agency explained that its regulatory control applies when such drinks are packaged, sealed and labelled for sale, making them subject to the relevant registration and regulatory requirements.
The clarification has drawn attention to the distinction between freshly prepared local beverages sold directly to consumers and commercially packaged drinks distributed in the market.
Zobo, a popular Nigerian beverage made from dried hibiscus petals, is widely sold by roadside vendors, market traders and small-scale drink producers.
However, the clarification should not be interpreted as an exemption from all food safety requirements. Sellers are still expected to maintain proper hygiene and ensure that the drinks they offer are safe for consumption. Other applicable public health and local government regulations may also apply.
NAFDAC’s position is intended to clarify when its product registration requirements apply to locally prepared beverages and when packaged drinks fall within its regulatory framework.
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