Fake Drinks: NMA Raises Alarm Over Liver, Kidney Diseases Among Ondo Youths

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ondo State chapter, has raised the alarm over the alleged proliferation of counterfeit alcoholic beverages, warning that young people are developing serious liver and kidney conditions amid concerns about potentially dangerous drinks circulating in the state.

The association said the emergence of conditions such as liver cirrhosis among teenagers and people in their 20s was particularly troubling, as the diseases are not typically expected to occur at such young ages.

The NMA chairman in Ondo State, Dr Roland Arohunmolase, raised the concern while speaking with journalists in Akure on Monday, adding that further investigations were needed to establish the causes of individual cases.

Although the association did not provide statistics on the cases recorded in recent months, it said some of the incidents were still under investigation.

“Traditionally, when you profile some diseases, there are certain age groups in which you do not commonly find them. When a disease no longer conforms to its traditional profile, it becomes a cause for concern,” Arohunmolase said.

He identified the consumption of unhealthy alcoholic beverages as a possible risk factor for liver cirrhosis among young people, stressing that the precise causes of the reported conditions must be established through further medical investigations.

PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the association also recalled previous incidents involving suspected adulterated drinks in Odigbo and Irele, which Arohunmolase said resulted in at least 48 deaths.

He further cited an earlier incident in Ilere involving methanol, an industrial chemical capable of causing severe poisoning when ingested.

The NMA warned that counterfeit beverages could expose consumers to dangerous substances, including chemicals that may cause acute poisoning and long-term damage to vital organs.

It also expressed concern that the distribution of suspected fake drinks was not restricted to informal markets, alleging that such products had found their way into supermarkets, hotels, bars and other retail outlets.

According to the association, some adulterated beverages may be produced under unhygienic conditions, with industrial chemicals and contaminated water potentially posing additional health risks.

The warning comes amid growing concerns about consumer safety and the need for stronger monitoring of products sold to the public.

The association called on the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and relevant Ondo State authorities to intensify surveillance and conduct unannounced inspections of markets, supermarkets, hotels, bars and shops suspected of selling counterfeit beverages.

It urged the authorities to seize and destroy products that fail to meet established safety and quality standards and prosecute manufacturers, distributors and retailers found culpable.

The NMA also called on beverage manufacturers to strengthen measures against counterfeiting by introducing tamper-proof seals, holographic security features, unique QR codes and product-tracking systems that would enable consumers to verify the authenticity of their purchases.

The association advised consumers to be wary of beverages sold at prices significantly lower than prevailing market rates and to carefully inspect bottle seals, labels and packaging before buying them.

Arohunmolase said the association intended to engage relevant government agencies but considered it necessary to alert the public immediately because of the potential danger to human health.

“As medical professionals who are supposed to be the custodians of public health, we needed to bring this to the public’s notice before writing to the relevant authorities,” he said.

The association advised anyone who suspected that they had consumed a fake or contaminated drink to seek medical attention promptly rather than wait for symptoms to appear.

Arohunmolase stressed that early medical assessment was important where exposure to a potentially dangerous substance was suspected.

“Whenever you consume something you suspect is not okay, it may not be advisable to wait until the symptoms start manifesting. You should seek medical advice on time,” he said.

The NMA’s warning underscores the need for effective regulatory enforcement, public awareness and cooperation among health authorities, law enforcement agencies, manufacturers and retailers to prevent the circulation of unsafe beverages.

However, the association’s concerns about the reported liver and kidney conditions do not, on their own, establish that counterfeit drinks caused every case. Further investigations are required to determine the causes of the illnesses and verify the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths.

Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com

We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE

Platform Times is a trailblazing news website that empowers grassroots communities across Africa by delivering the latest news through engaging multimedia content. By leveraging photos, text, and videos, the site inspires concerned citizens and activists worldwide to take action against critical issues, including corruption, poverty, environmental degradation, and democratic disregard.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.