Fake Drinks Raise Liver, Kidney Disease Fears Among Nigerians as NMA Sounds Alarm

Fake Drinks Raise Liver, Kidney Disease Fears Among Nigerians as NMA Sounds Alarm

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has warned that suspected fake and adulterated beverages may contribute to liver and kidney diseases among young Nigerians, prompting urgent public health concerns.

The association raised the alarm following reports of liver cirrhosis and kidney disease among younger patients, urging regulatory authorities to intensify efforts against counterfeit alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Ondo State NMA Chairman, Dr Roland Bola Arohunmolase, disclosed the concern while speaking with journalists in Akure, describing the emerging pattern of illnesses among younger patients as worrying.

He said doctors were encountering liver cirrhosis among teenagers and liver and kidney diseases in people aged between 22 and 30, requiring further medical investigation.

Arohunmolase explained that the association could not yet determine the number of cases connected to suspected adulterated beverages because investigations into the possible causes were continuing.

He noted that diseases appearing in age groups where they are less commonly expected should prompt closer medical examination and investigation into potential contributing factors.

The NMA chairman recalled previous incidents involving suspected adulterated drinks in Odigbo and Irele, where reports indicated that at least 50 people died following suspected poisoning.

He also mentioned an earlier incident in Ilere linked to methanol consumption, warning that the industrial chemical can cause severe poisoning, organ damage and potentially death.

The association identified suspected adulterated beverages as a possible risk factor, stressing that further investigations were necessary before establishing whether particular drinks caused individual cases of liver or kidney disease.

The NMA warned that suspected counterfeit beverages were reportedly reaching consumers through open markets, supermarkets, hotels, bars and other retail outlets, increasing concerns about public exposure.

It said drinks produced in unhygienic conditions or containing contaminated water and harmful industrial chemicals could expose consumers to acute poisoning and long-term damage to vital organs.

The association urged the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), the Ondo State Government and relevant regulatory agencies to conduct aggressive, unannounced inspections of beverage retailers.

It called for unsafe products to be seized and destroyed, while individuals found responsible for manufacturing or distributing dangerous beverages should face prosecution under applicable laws.

The NMA also urged manufacturers to introduce stronger anti-counterfeiting measures, including tamper-proof seals, holograms, unique QR codes and tracking systems that help consumers verify product authenticity.

Consumers were advised to avoid suspiciously cheap beverages and carefully inspect packaging, labels and security seals before purchasing drinks, particularly from unfamiliar sellers or questionable outlets.

Arohunmolase said the association chose to alert the public immediately rather than wait for administrative procedures, emphasising its responsibility to protect public health and prevent harm.

He advised anyone suspecting they had consumed a fake or contaminated beverage to seek medical attention promptly instead of waiting for symptoms to develop.

The association stressed that suspected exposure to harmful substances requires timely medical assessment, particularly when consumers cannot verify a beverage’s ingredients, source or safety.