The Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA) has ordered the immediate recall of more than 20 alcohol brands after shutting down a dozen manufacturing facilities in an ongoing crackdown on substandard alcohols. The latest enforcement measures, announced on August 6, with Rwanda FDA closing 12 companies with 22 products. The crackdown that started on August 2 has seen over 140 companies close and hundreds of alcohol brands recalled. ALSO READ: Over 130 companies closed as crackdown on illicit alcohol widens Rwanda FDA said the decision was made in interest of public health and took effect immediately. Under the directive, Rwanda FDA has closed the manufacturing facilities and revoked all associated manufacturing licences for licensed facilities. Rwanda FDA instructs manufacturers to immediately initiate a full recall of these products, the notice states. Manufacturers have also been directed to instruct distributors to recall the listed products from their clients and return all current stock and recalled products to manufacturers' premises. The regulator said manufacturers must submit recall reports within three working days. ALSO READ: Govt taps artistes in campaign against alcohol, drug abuse Rwanda FDA warned that failure to comply with the directives would attract regulatory sanctions. Over the past six days, authorities have intensified the campaign calling on consumers to immediately stop consuming the products from closed companies and ordered that all advertisements and promotional materials for alcoholic. Unprecedented crackdown The latest recall marks another phase of an unprecedented crackdown on illicit alcoholic beverages. Rwanda FDA has ordered the closure of manufacturing facilities producing illicit alcoholic beverages, revoked manufacturing licences and directed nationwide recalls of affected products. The Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) also withdrew the S-Mark quality certification from products manufactured over 50 alcoholic beverage companies, ordering manufacturers to recall the affected products from distributors and remove them from the market. The crackdown followed health concerns linked to illicit alcohol use, according to the Ministry of Health. Minister of Health Dr Sabin Nsanzimana said more than 50 people died since the beginning of 2026, over 100 lost sight, and more than 500 others sought medical treatment after consuming unsafe alcoholic beverages. The latest updates from Rwanda Investigations Bureau (RIB) also indicate that over 60 people have been arrested over producing and distributing illicit alcoholic beverages. Authorities have said that products worth Rwf2.6 billion have been seized and over Rwf360 million imposed in fines. Authorities have indicated that inspections and enforcement operations are continuing across the country, with additional manufacturing facilities expected to be announced in the coming days.
