The Acting Minister of Mines, Industry, and Technological Development, Fuh Calistus Gentry notably cites public health risks among reasons behind the move.
The Acting Minister of Mines, Industry, and Technological Development, Fuh Calistus Gentry has closed down non-compliant whisky production factories in Douala in the Littoral Region. This was during an inspection tour in the region. The minister’s action aims to combat the proliferation of substandard and potentially dangerous whisky products circulating in Cameroonian markets. Minister Gentry in the course of the tour, ordered the immediate closure of several factories found to be operating outside of established industrial regulations. One of the factories that was closed down is that of Reddis Global, a company that produces sachet whisky. According to the acting Mines and industry boss, the packaged whiskey produced by the company is not complying with health standards. The minister revealed during the gathering that company’s factory which is located in Bonaberi in Douala, were deemed to pose a significant threat to public health due to their failure to adhere to safety and quality standards contrary to guidelines from the government which insists on prioritizing the health of citizens.
Two-month period of grace
In addition to the immediate closures that were carried out during the tour, the minister also issued a two-month deadline for all whisky production companies operating below the required standards to rectify their practices and reach full compliance with industrial regulations. “Because the activities pose a problem to health public, this goes to other companies. In two months, all companies that are not working in conformity with the guidelines in this sector will be shut down,” Minister Fuh Calistus said. The initiative to crackdown on wanting companies, per the Minister of Mines, Industry and Technological Development is a direct response to growing concerns regarding the widespread circulation of counterfeit and substandard whisky in Cameroon’s markets. He said the illicit products often contain harmful contaminants and pose serious health risks to unsuspecting consumers. According to experts, the minister’s actions are expected to curb the rise of fake alcohol production and improve overall industry standards, ensuring better consumer protection. With stricter enforcement of regulations, the production and distribution of substandard whisky may decrease significantly, leading to safer and more reliable alcohol products available to consumers, per experts in the sector. Observers believe consumers will be able to purchase whisky worry-free. They describe the minister’s action as a highlight to the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health and promoting responsible industrial practices, creating a more sustainable and save environment for both consumers and businesses in the alcoholic beverage industry.
Minister says government always upon to supporting industry drivers
While taking a firm stance against non-compliant operations, Minister Fuh Gentry also emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting local industries that operate within legal frameworks. During the Littoral Region inspection tour, Minister Fuh Gentry visited major brewery companies. He reassured entrepreneurs that the ministry remains open to assist businesses seeking to establish or regularize their operations provided they adhere to safety and quality standards. “I want to promise everyone that, we will make sure that all the procedures, all bureaucratic is taken away to give everybody a chance to be able to have an authorization to setup his business,” the member of government said.
