NAFDAC denies registration for smokers’ “lung-cleansing herbal tea”

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has denied claims that it authorized a “long-cleansing herbal tea” for smokers have been denied.

NAFDAC director-general Mojisola Adeyeye said in a statement on Saturday that the product, known as Lungitox (smokers pride), was denied registration.

Adeyeye was responding to an advertising that claimed the herbal tea “cleans the lungs of smokers”.

The public was advised by the agency to ignore the allegations.

The statement reads: “The attention of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been drawn to a misleading video circulating on social media, alleging that NAFDAC approved the registration of a herbal product claiming that ‘smoking is healthy’ when used with their product.

“NAFDAC wishes to categorically state that this claim is false and completely unfounded.

“The product in question-Lung Detox Tea or Lungitox (Smokers Pride) or any similar product-is NOT registered by NAFDAC.

“The unscrupulous individual behind this product had applied for registration, but the application was outrightly rejected due to the unsubstantiated and dangerous claim that smoking could be made ‘healthy’ by consuming the product.

“NAFDAC remains steadfast in its mandate to protect public health and ensure that only safe, effective, and scientifically substantiated products are approved.

“We condemn any attempt to mislead or endanger the public with false claims.

“The public is advised to disregard this video and report any suspicious claims or products to the Agency through our official channels.

“For further inquiries or reports, please contact NAFDAC via 0800-162-3322, email sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng, or visit our website at www.nafdac.gov.ng.

“NAFDAC will continue to take decisive action against any individual or entity attempting to violate public health standards”.

NAFDAC also stated that herbal products and other related items “are not allowed to make any therapeutic claims unless scientifically validated through proper clinical trial studies”.

The public was reassured by the agency that it follows professional standards and that it will not permit the importation, exportation, manufacturing, distribution, advertising, sale, or use of any such products.

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