By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has impounded substandard and adulterated alcoholic and non-alcoholic wines within Abakaliki metropolis in Ebonyi State.

The SON enforcement operation led to the evacuation of several bottles of different brands of wines, each within shops in Abakaliki with offenders sanctioned accordingly.

In a statement released by the Head of Public Relations, SON South-East Regional Operations, Mr. Iorkyaa Paul, stated that the enforcement activity was carried out recently, following incessant complaints by members of the public on sighting foreign particles in wine bottles purchased in the state.

According to Paul, the raid, led by Ebonyi State Coordinator, Engr. Maryrose Ugwueche, was a follow-up to the general sensitization programme held earlier in the state, which was targeted at acquainting supermarkets on the requirements of NIS 506: 2006, Standard for Product Liability.

He said: “The supermarket owners and traders were educated on the implications of displaying substandard products and reiterated SON’s continuous efforts at ridding the society of substandard products.

“The State Coordinator also admonished consumers to desist from buying from unknown sources as they would be liable for any complaint if the producer or distributor is not traceable.”

The SON spokesman added that while SON was highly committed to protecting consumers from being victims of fake and substandard products, he assured that the SON would sanction any defaulter found wanting in line with the ACT establishing the Organization.

The enforcement exercise led to the confiscation and evacuation of several bottles of different brands of suspected substandard and fake wines namely; J&W Sparkling Red Grape Juice, Senac Tintoretto Miselleux Res Wine and Joven Capel Health Drink.

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