Ivory Coast: Ban on alcoholic energy drinks, What about adulterated alcoholic beverages?
The Ivorian authorities have recently decided to ban the importation of alcoholic energy drinks. While this measure aims to protect public health, it is crucial to adopt a consistent and fair policy regarding the regulation of alcoholic beverages. Indeed, it is alarming to note that, alongside this ban, alcoholic drinks of dubious origin and poor quality continue to flood the Ivorian market.
This situation raises questions about the effectiveness and fairness of current policies. Why a specific ban on alcoholic energy drinks when potentially more dangerous products, due to their uncertain quality, are still allowed? This inconsistency could undermine consumers’ trust in measures meant to protect their health and safety.
It is imperative that the Ivorian authorities adopt a more comprehensive and transparent approach. Alcoholic beverages of dubious origin, often sold at attractive prices, pose risks to public health, particularly due to uncontrolled manufacturing conditions and potentially harmful ingredients they may contain. Consumers have the right to know that all alcoholic products available on the market meet the same strict safety and quality standards.
We therefore urge the authorities to strengthen controls on all imported alcoholic beverages, regardless of their nature. Rigorous inspection, accompanied by severe penalties for violators, is necessary to ensure that only safe and high-quality drinks are available to Ivorian consumers. This approach should be complemented by a campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of poor-quality alcoholic products.
Thus, the fair application of regulations on alcoholic beverages is essential to protect public health. The Ivorian authorities must avoid any form of double standards policy and ensure that all alcoholic drinks, without exception, meet the highest quality standards.
