In a public announcement issued on Wednesday, August 5, Rwanda FDA said the suspension takes immediate effect in the interest of protecting public health.
The regulator directed importers to immediately recall all affected products and instruct distributors to withdraw them from retailers and consumers. Importers must submit recall reports within three working days.
Distributors and retailers have been ordered to immediately stop selling the listed products and return all remaining stock to importers, while consumers have been advised to stop consuming the affected alcoholic beverages.
Rwanda FDA also ordered the immediate removal of all advertisements and promotional materials for the listed products.
The suspended products originate from Burundi, India, Kenya, Poland, Tanzania and Uganda.
Among the most recognisable brands affected are Gilbeys Gin, imported from Kenya and Uganda, as well as Tanzania’s Konyagi and Kiwingu Spirit. The suspension also covers Safari Gin, Kenya King, Bond 7 Whisky, Magic Moments Chocolate Vodka, Club 5 Gin, Tembo Liqueur, Campfire Gin, X5 Gin and several other spirits, whiskies, vodkas and liqueurs.
The latest move comes a day after Rwanda FDA shut down 27 additional alcoholic beverage manufacturers, bringing the total number of manufacturers closed in the past three days to 136. The regulator has also ordered the recall of all products manufactured by the affected companies as part of an intensified enforcement campaign.
“Non-compliance with all the above will result in measures under applicable regulatory provisions,” the regulator warned.
The crackdown follows growing concerns over toxic alcoholic beverages, locally known as ibyuma, which authorities say have claimed more than 50 lives this year.
Speaking to IGIHE earlier this week, Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana said investigations found links between unsafe alcoholic drinks and more than 50 deaths recorded between January and July. He added that more than 500 people sought medical treatment after consuming the drinks, over 100 people lost their eyesight, and a nationwide assessment identified nearly 11,000 people struggling with alcohol addiction.
Rwanda FDA said additional products could also face regulatory action as enforcement continues.
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