Rwanda authorities destroy 26,000 litres of Akarusho beer over quality concerns

By The Inspirer.

Rwanda authorities have destroyed 26,000 litres of Akarusho beer produced by Entreprise Urwibutso, commonly known as Nyirangarama, after inspections identified concerns over hygiene and the production process.

The beer was destroyed on Monday, August 18, in Tare Village, Nyirangarama Cell, Bushoki Sector, Rulindo District, in an operation involving authorities from the Northern Province and Rwanda National Police.

Rwanda National Police spokesperson for the Northern Province, CIP Ignace Ngirabakunzi, said the action followed inspections by relevant regulatory authorities.

“They found shortcomings in the way the beverages were being processed and determined that the production methods could potentially affect human health,” Ngirabakunzi said.

He explained that the inspection focused on three key areas: whether the producer was operating legally and had valid permits, whether the production process met hygiene requirements, and whether the ingredients used were approved for alcoholic beverages.

“The second aspect was to verify whether production was being carried out hygienically, and the third was to establish whether the ingredients being used were permitted for use in alcoholic beverages,” he said.

The 26,000 litres of Akarusho beer were subsequently destroyed by being poured into a pit.

Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde said inspections of beverage producers would continue to ensure that products manufactured in the province meet required quality and safety standards.

“These inspections will continue so that we can ensure that other beverages produced by our local producers and industries also meet quality standards. The ultimate objective is to protect the health of our people,” he said.

The governor also urged residents to avoid harmful substances, warning that their effects can damage health and, in severe cases, result in death.

The destruction of Akarusho comes amid a wider government crackdown on alcoholic beverages that fail to meet required safety and quality standards. Authorities have intensified inspections, seizures and destruction of non-compliant products as part of efforts to protect public health.

Officials also warned producers and distributors to comply with health, hygiene and licensing requirements or risk having their products removed from the market.