Rwanda: Over 130 Companies Closed As Crackdown On Illicit Alcohol Widens
[New Times] The Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA) on Tuesday, August 4, announced the closure of 27 companies, as part of the ongoing crackdown on illicit alcohol production and distribution.
Over 130 companies in Rwanda have been shut down as part of an intensified crackdown on illicit alcohol production and distribution, according to the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA). The latest closures come after the shutdown of 109 distilleries and breweries earlier in the week. The regulatory body has revoked the operating licenses of the affected manufacturers, ordering them to initiate a full recall of their products and return all stock to their premises.
All advertisements and promotional materials related to the affected products must also be removed immediately across the country. Rwanda FDA has seized products worth more than Rwf2.6 billion and imposed fines amounting to nearly Rwf360 million on the producers. Inspections are ongoing, and additional manufacturing facilities could face closure as the enforcement exercise continues.
Health authorities reported that at least 50 people died and over 500 sought medical treatment after consuming illegal and substandard beverages in the first half of 2026.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
