The Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA) has ordered the closure of 101 facilities involved in the production of illicit alcoholic beverages and revoked their manufacturing licenses, as part of an ongoing nationwide crackdown.
In a public notice issued on August 3, the regulator said the affected facilities were identified through inspections and compliance assessments. All products from these facilities are being withdrawn from the market.
Manufacturers have been instructed to initiate a full recall of products, while distributors must recall affected products from clients and return stock to manufacturers. Recall reports are due within three working days.
The crackdown follows health officials' reports of over 50 deaths, 100 cases of blindness, and more than 500 people seeking medical treatment linked to illicit alcohol, according to Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana.
The Rwanda Investigation Bureau said on Sunday it holds over 50 suspects in custody over producing and distributing illicit alcohol, calling it a security concern. The FDA warned of further enforcement actions and urged consumers to stop using designated products.
Source: allafrica.com
