KIGALI, Rwanda — Rwanda has ordered the immediate recall of dozens of alcoholic beverages from the market and shut down eight manufacturing facilities in one of the country’s most sweeping regulatory actions against the alcohol industry, as authorities intensify efforts to protect public health.
The Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA) announced the measures in a public notice issued on Saturday, saying the decision followed regulatory inspections and compliance assessments that found the affected manufacturers in breach of production requirements.
The regulator ordered the immediate closure of the eight factories, revoked their manufacturing licences and directed that all alcoholic beverages produced by the companies be withdrawn from the market without delay.
Manufacturers were instructed to submit product recall reports within three working days, while distributors and retailers were ordered to stop selling the affected brands immediately and return any remaining stock to suppliers.
Consumers have also been advised to stop consuming the recalled products.
“Consumers are advised to immediately stop consuming the affected alcoholic beverages,” the Rwanda FDA said, warning that enforcement action would be taken against anyone who fails to comply with the directive.
Eight manufacturers affected
The crackdown targets the following manufacturers:
- Ingufu Gin Ltd
- NBG Ltd
- Sky Drop Industries Ltd
- Africana Buffalo Ltd
- NOPA Company Ltd
- Roots Investment Group Ltd
- Rugali Agro-processing Company
- Zhonglu Industrial Liability Company Ltd
Authorities said all alcoholic products manufactured by the affected companies are subject to the recall.
Popular brands recalled
Among the products ordered off the market are several widely consumed local spirits, vodkas, whiskies and gins, including:
- Red Waragi
- Royal Castle Gin
- King’s Vodka
- Medal Gin
- United Flavoured Gin
- Maguma Gin
- Saint Nero Gin
- Veritas Gin
- Churchill Whisky
- Moonlight Vodka
- Levi Gin
- Hope Man Gin
- Rack Gin
- Jumongo Whisky
The Rwanda FDA said the list extends beyond the named brands to include any alcoholic beverages produced by the affected facilities.
Public health concerns
The action comes as Rwanda steps up efforts to curb unsafe and unregulated alcohol amid growing concerns over alcohol-related health risks.
According to the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), alcohol consumption has risen significantly over the past decade, increasing from 41 per cent in 2013 to 48 per cent in 2022.
Health authorities have also been battling the production and sale of illicit alcoholic drinks containing dangerous substances such as methanol, which has previously been linked to fatal poisonings and permanent blindness.
The latest enforcement campaign is intended to strengthen compliance with food and drug safety regulations while protecting consumers from potentially unsafe products.
Kagame warns of alcohol abuse
The regulatory action follows President Paul Kagame’s recent warning that excessive alcohol consumption is becoming a serious threat to Rwanda’s young population and the country’s future development.
Addressing participants of the 16th cohort of the Itorero Indangamirwa civic education programme, Kagame criticised what he described as the growing “religion of alcohol.”
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“Alcohol is killing you. It’s killing young people,” Kagame said, warning that excessive drinking could destroy the ambitions and productivity of Rwanda’s youth before they have the opportunity to realise their full potential.
His remarks underscored the government’s broader campaign to reduce harmful alcohol consumption through stricter regulation, public education and enforcement.
Government urges compliance
The Office of the Government Spokesperson has backed the Rwanda FDA’s directive, urging consumers, retailers, distributors and hospitality businesses to cooperate fully with the nationwide recall.
Authorities said the measures form part of ongoing efforts to improve food and drug safety standards while safeguarding public health across the country.
The Rwanda FDA has not indicated whether criminal investigations or additional sanctions will follow against the affected manufacturers.
