Piotr Jabłoński, Director of Poland’s National Center for Addiction Prevention (KCPU), was dismissed by Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna following a controversy over the sale of alcohol in childlike packaging. The scandal erupted when alcohol sold in tubes resembling children’s fruit puree pouches hit Polish shelves, prompting public outrage.
Jabłoński had previously warned in August that under current Polish law, alcohol could be sold in any packaging, emphasizing the need for tighter regulations. Despite his foresight, he was removed from office, leading some, including journalist Patryk Słowik, to suggest that Jabłoński was made a scapegoat. Słowik noted that Jabłoński was “the only one who took action” to address the issue.
The alcohol, branded “Voodoo Monkey,” was produced by OLV, a company tied to Andrzej Gajowniczek, a former parliamentary candidate with links to Poland’s left-wing politics. Under public pressure, the company withdrew the product from stores.
Jabłoński’s dismissal has raised questions about the government’s response, with critics arguing that he was the only official taking concrete steps to address broader addiction and regulatory challenges. Jabłoński, a public health expert, had been advocating for comprehensive addiction treatment reform, emphasizing the need for a more holistic approach to dealing with substance and behavioral addictions.