Fake oral care products mimicking popular brands discovered in circulation, posing serious health risks to Nigerians says NAFDAC
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a nationwide alert following the discovery of counterfeit toothpaste products circulating in Kaduna State. According to the agency, the warning was triggered by a complaint received through its Post-Marketing Surveillance Directorate, which led to the identification of fake toothpaste being sold in a retail outlet.
The counterfeit products were found to imitate well-known brands, thereby misleading unsuspecting consumers.The affected products, labeled as “Coglaet ActivGel 100g” and “Coglaet Herbal 100g,” were discovered to lack essential regulatory details such as NAFDAC registration numbers and batch identification.
Investigations further revealed that the products were supplied through informal distribution channels, including door-to-door vendors.NAFDAC has since confiscated the counterfeit items and initiated a nationwide surveillance operation aimed at removing similar products from circulation.
The agency also confirmed that enforcement actions are underway to trace and apprehend those responsible for the distribution of the fake goods.The regulatory body warned that the use of unregistered and counterfeit toothpaste poses significant health risks, as such products may contain harmful or unverified ingredients capable of damaging oral health and overall wellbeing.Consumers have been urged to exercise caution by purchasing only from reputable vendors and verifying the authenticity of products before use.
NAFDAC emphasized the importance of checking for proper labeling, including registration numbers and batch details, as part of efforts to curb the spread of counterfeit goods.The agency also called on members of the public to report any suspicious products or sellers to the nearest NAFDAC office to support ongoing enforcement and public safety measures.
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