The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has alerted Nigerians to the circulation of a suspected counterfeit toothpaste, ORACIRE+ Toothpaste, allegedly being sold as the registered ORACARE+ Toothpaste.
The agency said the alert followed a formal complaint and market intelligence report on the distribution of the suspected counterfeit product.
According to NAFDAC, its officials during a market surveillance exercise at Ojuwoye Market in Mushin, Lagos, discovered that the suspected counterfeit toothpaste closely resembled the registered ORACARE+ Toothpaste in packaging and overall appearance.
The agency said the similarity could make it difficult for consumers to distinguish between the two products.
“Counterfeit personal care products may not meet established quality and safety standards and could pose health risks to consumers,” NAFDAC warned.
The agency said the origin, composition, safety and quality of the suspected counterfeit product had not been verified.
NAFDAC said it had commenced surveillance activities to determine the availability and distribution of the suspected counterfeit toothpaste across the country.
It added that all zonal directors and state coordinators had been directed to investigate the presence and distribution of the product in their respective areas and take appropriate regulatory action.
The agency urged consumers and healthcare providers to remain vigilant and report any suspected sale or distribution of ORACIRE+ Toothpaste to the nearest NAFDAC office.
Reports can also be made through the agency’s designated telephone number or official email channels.
