According to a notice dated May 25, 2025, laboratory analysis of the product revealed that it does not meet the required national standard RS 344:2023 for plant-flavoured alcoholic drinks. As a result, the Rwanda FDA has declared the product illegal and unsafe for public consumption.
INEZA Ayurvedic Ltd, the manufacturer of Ubutwenge, is based in Musanze District, Busogo Sector, Gisesero Cell. Authorities confirmed that the company has been producing the drink without proper authorisation and outside the required safety guidelines.
Rwanda FDA has instructed the public to immediately stop consuming the drink to avoid potential health risks.
Retailers have also been ordered to remove all Ubutwenge stock from their shelves and return it to distributors. Wholesalers are required to accept the returned products and coordinate their return to the manufacturer.
Furthermore, the manufacturer has been directed to ensure the safe disposal of all recalled stock.
'The manufacturer, INEZA Ayurvedic Ltd, is requested to organize the immediate and safe disposal of returned stocks of Ubutwenge,' said Prof. Emile Bienvenu, Director General of Rwanda FDA.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/ubutwenge-alcoholic-drink-banned-over-safety-concerns
