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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has imposed a fine of N1 billion on Guinness Nigeria Plc for re-validating expired raw materials without approval.
The agency also accused the company, which has been operating in Nigeria for over 65 years, of maintaining poor documentation record and not complying with some of its regulations.
In a letter seen by Punch, the local unit of Diageo was given a 2-week ultimatum to pay the fine.
But the company, which said it was in talks with NAFDAC over the sanction, denied flouting the rules of the regulatory agency.
“The management of Guinness Nigeria does not fully understand the basis for the computation of the administrative charges nor the particular regulations alleged to have been infringed.
“And is currently in discussions with NAFDAC with a view to gaining better clarity on the issue and hopefully have it resolved,” read a statement obtained by the newspaper.
“Guinness Nigeria has operated in Nigeria for over 65 years and has conducted its business in accordance with all relevant laws and regulations in Nigeria and Diageo’s global policies and procedures relating to good manufacturing practice.
“Guinness Nigeria is cognizant of its responsibility to adhere to relevant laws and regulations, which are applicable to its operations, including regulations issued by NAFDAC, and takes this obligation seriously.
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“We remain committed to working with NAFDAC and other regulatory authorities in furtherance of our responsibility to produce and market quality products, which are enjoyed by consumers throughout Nigeria, and look forward to being able to resolve the issue working in partnership with NAFDAC.”
Regulatory agencies have been firmer with the enforcement of laws since the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Central Bank of Nigeria has imposed sanctions on at least three commercial banks for alleged breaches in the last two months.
Last month, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) imposed a huge fine on MTN, the largest telecommunication outfit in the country, for failing to deactivate 5.1 million unregistered SIM cards.
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