Rwanda: 101 alcohol production sites shut down over safety concerns
News General news
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) of Rwanda has shut 101 alcohol production sites and recalled their products over safety concerns, the drinks business reported on August 4.
On 3 August, the Rwanda government’s FDA issued a public announcement regarding the closure of 101 sites that produced alcoholic beverages such as gin, vodka and various flavoured expressions like ‘pineapple’ wine and ‘banana-based’ drinks.
The move is part of a nationwide crackdown on illicit alcohol. The FDA has also revoked the manufacturing licences of all affected companies.
The authority called for products from the 101 sites to be withdrawn from the market, instructing manufacturers to submit recall reports within three days.
It also urged all distributors and retailers to immediately stop the sale of all products from the blacklisted facilities. The FDA also warned the public to stop consuming the products.
The list includes Yego Manufacturers, which produces Gorilla Gin, Leyon Vodka and Lion Heart Rum, as well as Kasesa Distillers and Distributors, which makes African Gin among other products.
The list came a day after the FDA issued a similar notice for the closure of eight distilleries: Ingufu Gin, NBG, Sky Drop Industries, Africana Buffalo, Nopa Company, Roots Investment Group, Rugal Agro-processing Company, and Zhonglu Industrial Liability Company.
Most of the distilleries produced gin, alongside vodka, brandy, whisky and ginger-flavoured alcoholic drinks, which have been recalled. Brands included Red Waragi, Royal Castle Gin, King’s Vodka, Churchill Whisky and Moonlight Vodka.
