NAFDAC Raises Alarm Over Suspected Counterfeit Toothpaste
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning to Nigerians regarding the circulation of a suspected counterfeit toothpaste. The product is being marketed under the name ORACIRE+ Toothpaste and closely resembles the registered ORACARE+ Toothpaste.
In a statement, NAFDAC indicated that the alert was prompted by a formal complaint and intelligence reports that the counterfeit product is being widely distributed in Nigeria. The agency’s surveillance team recently discovered ORACIRE+ Toothpaste during a market inspection at Ojuwoye Market in Mushin, Lagos.
NAFDAC noted that the visual similarity between the two products could easily confuse consumers, making it difficult to distinguish the counterfeit from the genuine ORACARE+ Toothpaste. The agency emphasized that the safety and quality of the suspected counterfeit have not been verified, and its origin and composition remain unknown.
“Counterfeit personal care products may not meet established quality and safety standards and could pose health risks to consumers,” NAFDAC cautioned.
In response to this issue, NAFDAC has initiated surveillance operations to assess the extent of the counterfeit’s distribution and identify its distribution network throughout the country. The agency has instructed its zonal directors and state coordinators to investigate the presence of the suspected counterfeit product in their jurisdictions and take appropriate regulatory action.
NAFDAC encourages consumers and healthcare providers to stay vigilant and report any suspected sale or distribution of the product to the relevant authorities.
