Fake Toothpaste Scare: NAFDAC Raises Alarm Over Counterfeit “Colgate” Variants In Nigeria
Adaora Ezenwaka
In a market already battling the menace of counterfeit goods, Nigeria’s drug regulator has issued a fresh warning over fake toothpaste products that could pose a risk to public health.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians to the circulation of suspected counterfeit toothpaste variants, following a complaint uncovered in Kaduna State.
According to the agency, its Post-Marketing Surveillance Directorate traced the products to a retail outlet where two suspicious variants, “Coglaet ActivGel 100g” and “Coglaet Herbal 100g” were being sold.
The shop owner reportedly claimed the items were sourced from a door-to-door sales agent but failed to provide proof of purchase.
NAFDAC revealed that the products did not meet regulatory standards, lacking essential registration and quality assurance indicators.
Further inspection showed the absence of batch numbers and NAFDAC registration details, clear warning signs of counterfeit goods.
The items were branded as products of a Chinese manufacturer, Guangzhou YECAI Oral Cleaning Products Co., Ltd, with production dates listed as August 2025 and expiry dates of August 2029, details the agency considers suspicious.
The regulator confirmed that the fake toothpaste has been withdrawn from circulation, while investigations are ongoing to track and apprehend those behind its distribution network.
NAFDAC has also directed its zonal directors and state coordinators nationwide to heighten surveillance and rid the market of similar substandard products.
Consumers, distributors, and retailers have been urged to verify product authenticity before purchase or use, while healthcare professionals and members of the public are encouraged to report any suspected counterfeit items or adverse reactions through official NAFDAC channels.
The development underscores ongoing concerns over fake consumer goods in Nigeria, as authorities intensify efforts to safeguard public health from dangerous imitations.
Follow the Savinews Africa channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VawgaEL5vKA9Y5XTFg0n