The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised fresh concerns over the circulation of fake toothpaste products in Nigeria, warning that the items pose a potential danger to public health.
In a public notice issued on Sunday through its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the agency alerted Nigerians to the presence of unregistered and suspected counterfeit toothpaste products falsely presented as popular Colgate brands.
According to NAFDAC, the alert followed a complaint received by its Post-Marketing Surveillance Directorate about the distribution of the products in Kaduna State. The complaint triggered an immediate investigation by officials of the agency.
During the operation, NAFDAC officials visited a retail outlet in the state where the products were reportedly being sold. At the shop, they discovered two suspected counterfeit toothpaste variants labelled “Coglaet ActivGel 100g” and “Coglaet Herbal 100g.”
The agency noted that the names and packaging of the products appear deliberately designed to resemble genuine Colgate toothpaste, a widely trusted oral care brand in Nigeria and around the world. However, closer inspection revealed several irregularities that raised red flags.
Speaking on the findings, NAFDAC disclosed that the shop owner claimed the products were supplied by a door-to-door sales representative. However, the retailer was unable to provide any receipt or proof of purchase to support the claim, further deepening suspicion about the source of the goods.
“These products have not met the required regulatory standards for registration and quality assurance, thereby posing a potential risk to public health and safety,” the agency stated.
NAFDAC explained that genuine products approved for sale in Nigeria must carry a valid NAFDAC registration number, clear batch details, and proper labelling that meets regulatory guidelines. In contrast, the seized toothpaste products had no batch numbers or registration numbers, making them illegal for sale in the country.
Further details released by the agency showed that the counterfeit items were labelled as being manufactured by a Chinese company, Guangzhou YECAI Oral Cleaning Products Co., Ltd, located in Baiyun District, Guangzhou. The products carried manufacturing dates of August 2025 and expiry dates of August 2029.
Despite these details, NAFDAC stressed that the products are not recognised or approved within its regulatory system, raising concerns about their safety, composition, and possible health effects.
As part of its immediate response, the agency confirmed that all identified counterfeit products have been removed from circulation in the affected area. It also said investigations are ongoing to track down the distributors and suppliers responsible for bringing the products into the Nigerian market.
NAFDAC added that it has directed all its zonal directors and state coordinators across the country to step up surveillance efforts. The goal, according to the agency, is to identify and seize similar counterfeit products wherever they may be found.
The development has once again highlighted the growing challenge of counterfeit consumer goods in Nigeria, particularly in the food, drug, and personal care sectors. Over the years, authorities have repeatedly warned that fake and substandard products not only undermine legitimate businesses but also expose consumers to serious health risks.
NAFDAC has therefore urged Nigerians to remain vigilant when purchasing everyday products, especially those related to health and personal care. Consumers are advised to carefully examine packaging, check for NAFDAC registration numbers, and avoid buying items from unverified sources such as roadside vendors or door-to-door sales agents.
“Distributors, retailers, and consumers should exercise caution and verify the authenticity and physical condition of products before purchase or use,” the agency warned.
The agency also called on members of the public to play an active role in tackling the spread of counterfeit goods by reporting suspicious products. It advised that any suspected case of fake or substandard items should be reported to the nearest NAFDAC office.
In addition, consumers can contact the agency through its toll-free number, 0800-162-3322, or send complaints via email to [email protected].
Healthcare professionals and patients have also been encouraged to report any adverse reactions linked to the use of suspected counterfeit products. Such reports can be made through NAFDAC’s official website or its Med-Safety mobile application, which is designed to monitor drug and product safety across the country.
Industry stakeholders say stronger collaboration between regulators, importers, and security agencies is needed to curb the influx of fake products into Nigeria. They also stress the importance of public awareness campaigns to educate consumers on how to identify genuine products.
For many Nigerians, toothpaste is a daily necessity, making the circulation of fake versions particularly worrying. As investigations continue, NAFDAC has reassured the public of its commitment to safeguarding health and ensuring that only safe, approved products are available in the market.