The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Saturday denied granting approval to a popular herbal product.
NAFDAC’s response came after a misleading video began circulating on social media platforms, alleging that the agency had given the green light to a herbal product, Lung Detox Tea (also referred to as Lungitox or Smokers Pride), that claimed it could make smoking “healthy.” The video, which quickly gained traction, caused public concern and confusion, with some believing that the agency had endorsed the product.
The NAFDAC statement, posted on the agency’s official X handle (formerly known as Twitter), categorically denied these claims. “NAFDAC has been made aware of a misleading video circulating on social media, alleging that the agency approved the registration of a herbal product claiming that ‘smoking is healthy’ when used with their product,” the statement read. “NAFDAC wishes to categorically state that this claim is false and completely unfounded.”
The Rejection of Lung Detox Tea
According to the statement, the product in question had been submitted for approval by its makers but was rejected outright by NAFDAC. The agency explained that the rejection was due to the product’s dangerous and unsupported health claims, particularly the suggestion that it could somehow counteract the harmful effects of smoking.
“The product in question, Lung Detox Tea, Lungitox (Smokers Pride), or any similar product, is not registered by NAFDAC,” the statement further clarified. “The unscrupulous individual behind this product had applied for registration, but the application was outrightly rejected due to the dangerous and unsupported claim.”
NAFDAC’s Commitment to Public Health
In its statement, NAFDAC reiterated its commitment to protecting public health and ensuring that only safe, effective, and scientifically supported products are approved for use in Nigeria. The agency emphasized that any attempt to mislead the public with false or harmful health claims would not be tolerated.
“NAFDAC condemns any attempt to mislead or endanger the public with false claims,” Prof. Adeyeye said in the statement. “We are dedicated to safeguarding the health of Nigerians and ensuring that all products available to the public are scientifically validated and do not pose any risks to health.”
The Dangers of False Health Claims
The issue of false health claims is a growing concern in Nigeria and around the world, particularly with the proliferation of social media platforms that can quickly spread misleading information. Products that claim to counteract the negative effects of smoking have been known to exploit vulnerable populations, particularly smokers who are desperate to reduce the harm caused by their habit.
Experts have consistently warned that no product can nullify the well-established health risks of smoking, including lung cancer, respiratory diseases, and heart disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths globally, and there is no “safe” level of smoking.
The claims made by Lung Detox Tea that smoking could be made “healthy” through its use could not be supported by any scientific evidence, making the product not only dangerous but potentially life-threatening to its users.
Public Response and NAFDAC’s Advisory
NAFDAC’s clarification aims to reassure the public that the agency is vigilant in monitoring products that claim to offer health benefits. The agency also called on the public to be cautious and to report any suspicious health products or misleading claims to them through official channels.
The statement concluded with a call for the public to disregard the misleading video and not to be swayed by the false narrative it promoted. NAFDAC urged Nigerians to be cautious when encountering products that make unsupported health claims, particularly those that claim to counteract the harmful effects of smoking.
“The public is advised to disregard this video and report any suspicious claims or products to the Agency through our official channels,” the statement read.
The Role of NAFDAC in Protecting Public Health
NAFDAC has been a key player in regulating food, drugs, cosmetics, chemicals, and medical devices in Nigeria for several decades. Its primary responsibility is to ensure that all products consumed or used by Nigerians are safe and effective, and that any health claims made by manufacturers are supported by scientific evidence. The agency works closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international health bodies to ensure that Nigeria’s standards align with global best practices.
In recent years, NAFDAC has faced increasing challenges as the number of counterfeit and substandard products entering the Nigerian market has risen. However, the agency has made significant strides in cracking down on fraudulent products and ensuring that harmful items are removed from circulation.
The Growing Problem of Misinformation in Nigeria
This incident highlights a broader issue facing Nigeria: the growing problem of misinformation, particularly regarding health and wellness products. Social media has become a major platform for the spread of unverified information, and the quick viral nature of videos like the one promoting the Lung Detox Tea has raised concerns about public health misinformation.
Experts have warned that the ease with which misinformation can spread through social media channels presents a serious public health risk. False claims about health products—especially those related to smoking—can mislead consumers and lead to dangerous decisions that negatively affect their health.
