NAFDAC seizes suspected counterfeit Colgate toothpaste, launches probe

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered and confiscated suspected counterfeit toothpaste products in Kaduna State following a consumer complaint.

In a statement released on Sunday, the agency disclosed that the discovery was made after its Post-Marketing Surveillance (PMS) Directorate received information regarding the sale of questionable products at a retail outlet in the state.

According to NAFDAC, an investigative team was immediately deployed to the shop identified in the complaint.

During the inspection, officials’ uncovered two suspected counterfeit toothpaste products branded as Colgate ActivGel 100g and Colgate Herbal 100g being offered for sale.

The agency noted that the products were not registered with NAFDAC and may not meet the required safety and quality standards.

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NAFDAC warned that unregistered and counterfeit products pose potential risks to public health, as their contents, manufacturing processes and storage conditions cannot be verified.

“Such products may not meet the minimum safety and quality requirements and could endanger consumers,” the agency stated.

The items have since been confiscated from the outlet, while further investigations are ongoing to identify and dismantle the supply chain responsible for distributing the suspected fake products.

Preliminary findings revealed that the shop owner allegedly purchased the toothpaste from a door-to-door sales representative. However, the retailer was reportedly unable to provide any documentation, invoices or proof of purchase for the goods.

NAFDAC said efforts are underway to trace the source of the products and determine how they entered the market.

The agency urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious or unregistered products to the appropriate authorities. It reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of Nigerians through strict monitoring and enforcement measures.

NAFDAC also advised consumers to verify product registration numbers and purchase regulated goods only from credible and authorised outlets to avoid falling victim to counterfeit items.