Rwanda Closes Eight Alcohol Factories, Orders Nationwide Recall of 38 Liquor Brands

What the report says

Rwanda’s food and drugs regulator has shut down eight alcoholic beverage factories, revoked their manufacturing licences and ordered an immediate nationwide recall of products linked to those sites, according to a Sunday, August 2 announcement reported by Nile Post. The Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority said the action followed inspections and compliance checks carried out under its legal mandate and was taken in the interest of public health.

The companies named in the order include Ingufu Gin Ltd, NBG Ltd, SKY Drop Industries Ltd, Africana Buffalo Ltd, NOPA Company Ltd, Roots Investment Group Ltd, Rugali Agro-processing Company and Zhonglu Industrial Liability Company Ltd. The recall covers a wide range of drinks, including gins, vodkas, whiskies, rum, brandy, liqueurs and other spirits. Rwanda FDA also said any other alcoholic products made by the listed facilities are covered, even if not individually listed.

Among the brands named are Red Waragi, Rabiant Gin, Ngufu Gin, King’s Vodka, United Flavoured Gin, Saint Nero Gin, African Buffalo Gin, ENAK Gin, Be One Gin and Z.C.N Milestone Whisky. The regulator instructed manufacturers, distributors and retailers to stop sales, pull products from the market and return remaining stock, while consumers were told to stop drinking the affected items. Manufacturers must submit recall reports within three working days.

The enforcement comes shortly after Rwanda FDA revoked ethanol import licences, signaling a broader public health campaign against unsafe alcohol products and alcohol abuse. The agency said additional facilities could be identified as the process continues.