The Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA) announced the measures after inspections uncovered widespread safety and licensing violations at different distilleries.
Rwanda has ordered a nationwide recall of alcoholic beverages and shut down 101 manufacturing facilities following a wave of deaths and illnesses linked to contaminated liquor.
The Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA) announced the measures on Monday after inspections uncovered widespread safety and licensing violations at different distilleries. The recall affects dozens of locally produced alcoholic beverages.
At least 50 people have died this year after consuming contaminated liquor, while more than 500 required hospital treatment and around 100 reportedly suffered blindness, according to Rwanda’s health ministry.
“We consider it an epidemic,” Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana said, as quoted by local media, warning that the country would “pay the price tomorrow” without urgent action.
