The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted the public to the circulation of a suspected counterfeit toothpaste product, ORACIRE+ Toothpaste.
NAFDAC stated that the product is being distributed in Nigeria under the guise of the registered ORACARE+ Toothpaste.
The agency disclosed that the alert followed a formal complaint and a market intelligence report regarding the widespread distribution of the suspected counterfeit product.
“Market surveillance conducted at Ojuwoye Market, Mushin, Lagos, revealed that the product closely resembles the registered ORACARE+ Toothpaste in packaging design and overall presentation, making it difficult for consumers to distinguish between the two products,” it said.
NAFDAC warned that counterfeit personal care products may not meet established quality and safety standards and could pose health risks to consumers.
It confirmed that the origin, composition, safety, and quality of the suspected counterfeit product have not been verified.
Counterfeit Product Photo
The regulatory body affirmed that it had initiated surveillance activities and instructed all zonal directors and state coordinators to investigate the availability and distribution of the suspected counterfeit product and take appropriate regulatory action.
NAFDAC advised consumers, distributors, retailers and healthcare providers to exercise caution when purchasing ORACARE+ Toothpaste.
It urged them to purchase toothpaste products only from reputable and authorised outlets and to carefully examine the product packaging and source of supply before making a purchase.
The agency also advised consumers and healthcare providers to report any suspicion of the sale of suspected counterfeit ORACIRE+ Toothpaste to the nearest NAFDAC office by calling 0800-162-3322, emailing sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng, or using the Med Safety application, available for download on Android and iOS stores.
It further encouraged healthcare providers and consumers to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of any NAFDAC-regulated product to the nearest NAFDAC office, through the e-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website, via the Med Safety application available for download on Android and iOS stores, or by emailing pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.
