National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has refuted claims circulating on social media that it approved a herbal tea product that allegedly makes smoking healthy.
Gatekeepers News reports that NAFDAC made its stance known in a statement signed by its Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye.
The agency described the viral video making such claims as “false, baseless, and completely unfounded.”
According to NAFDAC, the product known as Lung Detox Tea, Lungitox, or Smokers Pride is not registered by the agency.
The agency clarified that in 2023, an application for the registration of an “anti-smoke and lung detox tea” was submitted to its Lagos State Office.
However, the application was rejected after the applicant failed to provide scientific evidence to support the product’s claim that it could make smoking safe. The product was never resubmitted.
It said, “ It is important to emphasise that NAFDAC does not and will never permit the approval, importation, exportation, manufacture, advertisement, distribution, or sale of any product that lacks a solid scientific basis or any product that poses a potential risk to public health. The claims made in the application were not only unscientific, but also posed a significant danger to public health.”
It further noted that all products under its regulatory oversight—including food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, bottled water, and chemicals—undergo thorough safety, quality, and efficacy assessments before approval. The agency also reminded the public that therapeutic claims for herbal products must be backed by clinical trials.
The agency condemned the use of organ imagery on the packaging of the controversial product, which it said violates its regulations.
It also warned against any misleading or deceptive marketing tactics, particularly those that could endanger public health.
NAFDAC also addressed allegations of financial inducement mentioned in the viral video, stating that its Legal Services Directorate is reviewing the accusations with the intent to pursue legal redress.
It said, “ In the meantime, the Agency is not unmindful of the bogus and unsubstantiated allegations of financial inducement contained in the video. Ordinarily, this sort of claim will be ignored, particularly since the product was not registered by the Agency.”
“ However, our Legal Services Directorate (LESD) is reviewing the statements of financial compromise with the goal of seeking a redress in the law court. This should serve as a deterrent to individuals who may choose to malign or make libellous statements against the Agency in the future.”
The agency advised the general public to disregard the misleading video and avoid patronising any unregistered or suspicious products.
It urged the public to report such activities to NAFDAC through the following channels:
Hotline: 0800-162-3322
Email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng or reform@nafdac.gov.ng
Website: www.nafdac.gov.ng
The statement concluded, “ NAFDAC will continue to take decisive action against any individuals or entities that violate public health standards. Together, we can protect the health and safety of all Nigerians.”
