Public health concerns have taken center stage once again as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) issued a warning about the circulation of unregistered and suspected counterfeit toothpaste products in parts of Nigeria. In a notice shared via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday, the agency disclosed that its Post-Marketing Surveillance Directorate had received a complaint regarding the distribution of questionable toothpaste products in Kaduna State. The report immediately triggered an investigation aimed at protecting consumers from potentially harmful goods.
According to NAFDAC, officials were dispatched to the identified retail outlet where the products were allegedly being sold. What they discovered raised serious concerns. Two items, branded as “Coglaet ActivGel 100g” and “Coglaet Herbal 100g,” were found on display, products the agency suspects to be counterfeit imitations of the widely recognized Colgate toothpaste. The discovery highlights the growing challenge posed by counterfeit consumer goods, particularly in the health and personal care sector, where fake products can have direct consequences on public well-being. During the inspection, the shop owner reportedly told NAFDAC officials that the items had been purchased from a door-to-door sales representative.
However, the inability to provide any proof of purchase or documentation further deepened suspicions about the authenticity and origin of the products. NAFDAC emphasized that unregistered and counterfeit products often bypass regulatory scrutiny, meaning they may not meet safety, quality, or hygiene standards. In the case of toothpaste, this could expose users to harmful substances or ineffective formulations that fail to protect oral health. The agency’s warning serves as a reminder to consumers to remain vigilant when purchasing everyday products. Experts advise checking for proper labeling, registration numbers, and signs of tampering, as well as buying from reputable vendors rather than informal or unverified sources.
Counterfeit goods have long been a concern in Nigeria’s markets, affecting industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to cosmetics. Authorities have repeatedly stressed that beyond economic losses to legitimate manufacturers, fake products pose serious risks to consumers, especially when used daily. NAFDAC assured the public that investigations into the matter are ongoing and that efforts are being intensified to trace the source of the suspected counterfeit toothpaste.
The agency also reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health through strict enforcement and continuous monitoring of products in circulation. For residents in Kaduna and beyond, the development underscores the importance of caution in everyday purchases. What may appear to be a familiar product on the surface could, in reality, be something entirely different, making awareness and vigilance essential tools in protecting personal and family health.
