Rwanda FDA closes eight alcohol producers in latest crackdown on unsafe drinks

By The Inspirer.

Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA) has closed eight alcoholic beverage manufacturing companies and ordered the withdrawal of their products from the market as part of intensified efforts to control unsafe drinks and protect public health.

The affected companies include Ingufu Gin Ltd and NBG Ltd, among others, after inspections found that they were not complying with regulatory requirements governing the production of alcoholic beverages.

In a statement issued on August 2, 2026, Rwanda FDA said the decision followed inspections and assessments carried out among manufacturers, distributors and retailers of alcoholic beverages to determine whether they were operating in line with applicable laws and standards.

The regulator said it had suspended the operations of the affected companies and revoked their manufacturing licences, while directing them to immediately begin collecting all products already distributed on the market.

“Manufacturers are required to start the process of collecting their products from the market, while distributors and retailers must immediately stop selling them and return the remaining stock to suppliers or manufacturers,” Rwanda FDA said.

Among the companies affected is Ingufu Gin Ltd, whose products include Red Waragi, Rabiant Gin, Ngufu Gin, King’s Vodka, Royal Castle Gin, Medal Gin, G&S Rum, New House Potable Spirit, Club Potable Spirit and Hometown Potable Spirit.

NBG Ltd, another company whose operations were suspended, produces United Flavored Gin, Bombastic Coconut Flavored Gin, Ingwe Flavored Gin, Amerikan Flavored Gin, Maguma Gin and Fimbo Blended Banana Brandy. These products were also ordered to be removed from the market.

Other companies closed by Rwanda FDA include SKY Drop Industries Ltd, Africana Buffalo Ltd, NOPA Company Ltd, Roots Investment Group Ltd, Rugali Agro-processing Company and Zhonglu Industrial Liability Company Ltd.

Rwanda FDA urged consumers to immediately stop using products manufactured by the affected companies until further instructions are issued.

The authority warned manufacturers, distributors and sellers of alcoholic beverages that failure to comply with its directives could result in additional measures provided for under the law.

Rwanda FDA said inspections of alcoholic beverages and other regulated products are continuing across the country, adding that more companies could face similar action if they fail to meet required safety and quality standards.

The regulator said the measures are aimed at protecting consumers and ensuring that all products available on the market meet required health and safety standards.

The crackdown comes shortly after Rwanda FDA suspended all permits for importing ethanol, also known as neutral spirit, and stopped processing new applications for ethanol importation. The move is part of broader government efforts to address concerns over unsafe alcoholic beverages and their impact on public health.