The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has officially warned Nigerians to be wary of unapproved and dangerous toothpaste brands circulating in the market. This alert follows the discovery of counterfeit products being sold under the guise of the popular Colgate brand, posing significant health risks to consumers.
The investigation was spearheaded by the agency’s Post-Marketing Surveillance Directorate after a tip-off regarding suspicious sales in Kaduna State. During a targeted raid on a local retail outlet, NAFDAC inspectors seized two specific imitation products: “Coglaet ActivGel 100g” and “Coglaet Herbal 100g.” These items were strategically branded to mimic genuine Colgate products to deceive the public.
Upon interrogation, the shop owner revealed that the goods were supplied by a mobile, door-to-door sales representative. However, the retailer was unable to provide any invoices or legal proof of purchase, a common red flag in the distribution of counterfeit goods. NAFDAC emphasized that these items have not undergone any safety assessments or quality assurance protocols, making their chemical composition unknown and potentially hazardous.
Technical analysis of the seized products revealed a total absence of essential regulatory markers. The “Coglaet” variants lack NAFDAC registration numbers and valid batch codes. Interestingly, the packaging claims the products were manufactured in August 2025 by Guangzhou YECAI Oral Cleaning Products Co., Ltd, based in China, with an expiration date of August 2029. Given the current date, these forward-dated labels further confirm the fraudulent nature of the items.
In response, NAFDAC has mobilized its zonal directors and state coordinators across Nigeria to intensify market surveillance and mop up any remaining stock of these counterfeits. The agency is also working with security forces to track the original source of the distribution.
The public, including wholesalers and retailers, is advised to scrutinize all oral care products for authenticity before purchase. NAFDAC encourages citizens to report any suspicious products to their nearest office, via their toll-free line at 0800-162-3322, or through email at sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
