Alcohol Labeling Regulations and Industry Compliance in Nigeria: Evidence to Guide Policy Implementation

Abstract

Alcohol labeling raises consumers' awareness of a product's composition and the risks associated with alcohol consumption. We identified mandatory elements and health warnings in alcohol regulations in Nigeria and evaluated selected product labels on alcoholic beverages produced in Nigeria to determine their compliance with the requirements. A descriptive case study was used. Labeling requirements were extracted from two alcohol regulations and one related document retrieved from the website of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The information on the product labels of 59 selected beers and spirit drinks produced in Nigeria was assessed based on six mandatory elements: list of ingredients, allergens, nutritional information, percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV), "drink responsibly" statement, and age restrictions. Five health warnings were also assessed: standard drinks per container, drinking guidelines, link to an alcohol education website, a "drinking during pregnancy" logo/text, and drink driving logo/text. Different regulations exist for beer and spirit drinks in Nigeria. Health warnings are not mandatory on labels of alcoholic beverages. No single product label included all six mandatory elements. Four mandatory elements--list of ingredients, ABV, drink responsibly statement, and age restrictions--were present on 61% of the product labels examined. The alcohol labeling regulations in Nigeria fall short of the World Health Organization labeling recommendations. The alcohol industry does not fully comply with labeling requirements in Nigeria. Enhanced labeling inclusive of health warnings should be mandatory as a strategy to create awareness of alcohol-related risks while monitoring industry-labeling practices to ensure compliance.