This article is aimed at entrepreneurs involved in or planning to get involved in commercial beer brewing in Nigeria.
This write-up will be focused on provisions of the regulatory framework outlined by the National Agency For Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for the brewing of beer in Nigeria.
What is the scope of the NAFDAC regulations?
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The NAFDAC regulations prescribe the requirements, classifications, & types of beer manufactured, imported, exported, advertised,sold, distributed or used in Nigeria.
What are the provisions of the NAFDAC regulations on prohibitions?
– A person shall not manufacture,export, advertise,sell or distribute beer specified in these regulations in Nigeria unless it has been registered in accordance with NAFDAC regulations.
What are the requirements for beer as prescribed by the regulations?
– Except as otherwise provided in the regulations, the word “beer”(“lager”, “ale”, “stout”) shall not appear in the label of any food product unless the food complies with the standard for beer prescribed in the regulations.
– Beer shall be the product of the alcoholic fermentation of liquid derived from a mash of malted grain with hops or other appropriate vegetable bitters.
– Beer :-
a). May contain unmalted cereal or cereal meal , sugar, yeast nutrient or carbon dioxide.
b). May contain caramel as colouring substance.
c). May contain ascorbic acid & not weigh more than 25mg/kg of sulfur dioxide or sulphite as permitted food conditioner.
– Beer shall have clarity with characteristic colour, taste & form of its type.
– Beer shall be appropriately packaged & effectively pasteurized.
– Beer shall be free from narcotic & psychotropic substances including caffeine or any other substances which, when mixed with alcohol, are injurious to health.
What are the provisions on classification of beer as prescribed by the regulations?
– Beer shall be classified based on the ethyl alcohol content present as specified in the regulations.
– Where a beer contains the percentage of alcohol by volume as provided by the regulations, the common name shall be used in the beer label.
What are the provisions of the regulations regarding packaging of beer?
– Beer shall be filled in suitable containers and shall not affect the quality of the beer.
– Beer shall be sealed in airtight containers and shall meet the specifications of the respective standards for such material.
What are the provisions of the regulations on maximum contaminant limits in beer?
– Beer manufactured, distributed, exported, sold, or advertised in Nigeria shall confirm to the specifications provided in the regulations.
– Contaminants in beer shall not exceed amounts as specified in the regulations.
What are the provisions of the regulations regarding the advertisement of beer?
– All advertisement of beer shall be prescribed in the food products regulations.
– The content of any beer advertisement shall be free of health claims.
– Gift items promoting beer shall not be directed at children & sportsmen.
– Advertisement of beer shall not be permitted on children’s programs nor shall children, sportsmen or expectant mothers be used as models.