“NAFDAC Raises Alarm Over Circulation of Counterfeit Colgate Toothpaste in Nigeria, Warns of Public Health Risks”

“NAFDAC Raises Alarm Over Circulation of Counterfeit Colgate Toothpaste in Nigeria, Warns of Public Health Risks”

Nigeria’s foremost drug and food regulatory body, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, has issued a nationwide public alert over the circulation of counterfeit and unregistered variants of Colgate Toothpaste, warning that the products pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.

In an official statement, the agency disclosed that the fake toothpaste products falsely branded to mimic the globally recognized Colgate have infiltrated parts of the Nigerian market. According to NAFDAC, these counterfeit items are not only unapproved but may contain harmful or substandard ingredients capable of causing oral and systemic health complications.

The agency emphasized that counterfeit personal care products remain a persistent threat within Nigeria’s supply chain, often exploiting consumer trust in established brands. It warned that the fake toothpaste could lead to adverse reactions, including gum irritation, dental damage, or exposure to toxic substances due to poor manufacturing standards.

NAFDAC urged consumers, distributors, and retailers to remain vigilant and to verify the authenticity of oral care products before purchase. The regulator advised Nigerians to check for proper labeling, batch numbers, and the official NAFDAC registration number, while also encouraging reports of suspicious products through its pharmacological nice channels.

Public health experts note that the proliferation of counterfeit goods reflects broader regulatory and enforcement challenges in Africa’s largest economy, where informal markets and weak supply chain monitoring can create opportunities for illicit trade. NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying surveillance, enforcement actions, and public awareness campaigns to curb the distribution of fake medical and consumer products.

The agency also called on stakeholders across the pharmaceutical and retail sectors to collaborate in safeguarding product integrity and protecting public health.