NAFDAC Raids Lagos Factory Producing Bitters With Cough Syrup Registration Number

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered an illegal herbal product manufacturing facility in Agege, Lagos State, where bitters were allegedly produced with a registration number belonging to a cough syrup.

The agency disclosed the development on Wednesday, following an investigation prompted by a report published by The Guardian on October 10 concerning herbal products bearing falsified NAFDAC registration numbers.

According to NAFDAC, its investigative team conducted surveillance before raiding the facility, where it discovered three variants of Asheitu Adams Bitters bearing registration number A7-1827L.

However, verification through the agency’s Automated Product Administration and Monitoring System (NAPAMS) portal showed that the number belongs to Greentol Cough Syrup, not the herbal products.

NAFDAC said the discovery confirmed the fraudulent use of the registration number on the bitters.

During the operation, the company’s managing director and chief executive officer was absent, while the company manager, identified as 39-year-old Abdullazeez Saidu, was arrested for further interrogation.

The agency did not immediately disclose whether the products had been seized or whether charges had been filed against the company or its management.

The development raises concerns about the use of falsified regulatory registration numbers on herbal products, as consumers may rely on such numbers when assessing whether products have received official approval.

NAFDAC urged members of the public to provide credible information about suspected illegal manufacturing activities to support its enforcement efforts.

The agency provided its complaint lines, 0800-1-623322 and 0700-1-623322, for reporting suspected violations.

NAFDAC reiterated its commitment to protecting public health through enforcement against falsified and potentially unsafe regulated products.