The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has warned Nigerians about the circulation of counterfeit Colgate toothpaste in parts of the country.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement issued on Sunday, the agency disclosed that it received reports of unregistered and suspected fake Colgate toothpaste being distributed in Kaduna State.
Following the report, NAFDAC said its Post-Marketing Surveillance (PMS) Directorate deployed officers to investigate the outlet where the products were allegedly sold.
“Upon investigation, a team of PMS officers visited the outlet where the product was being sold,” the statement said.
“They discovered two suspected unregistered and counterfeit Colgate toothpaste products, branded as Coglaet ActivGel 100g and Coglaet Herbal 100g, available for sale.”
According to the agency, the shop owner claimed the items were supplied by a door-to-door sales representative but failed to provide proof of purchase.
NAFDAC cautioned that the products “have not met the required regulatory standards for registration and quality assurance, thereby posing a potential risk to public health and safety.”
The agency confirmed that the counterfeit products have been removed from circulation at the identified outlet, while efforts are ongoing to trace those responsible for their distribution.
Further details revealed that the fake items, labelled as Coglaet Crema Dental Herbal 100g and Coglaet ActivGel 100g, lack batch numbers and NAFDAC registration numbers, despite indicating a Chinese manufacturer.
NAFDAC said it has directed all zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify surveillance and ensure the removal of such products wherever found.
It also urged distributors, retailers, and consumers to remain vigilant.
“Distributors, retailers, and consumers are hereby advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the distribution, sale, and use of counterfeit products. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked,” the agency said.
