NAFDAC Raises Alarm Over Circulation of Fake Colgate Toothpaste in Nigeria

By Folarin Adeyemi Aluko

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public warning over the circulation of suspected counterfeit toothpaste products falsely branded as Colgate in parts of Nigeria.

In a notice released on Sunday, the agency disclosed that its Post-Marketing Surveillance Directorate received a complaint regarding the distribution of unregistered toothpaste products in Kaduna State, prompting an immediate investigation.

According to NAFDAC, officials traced the products to a retail outlet where two counterfeit variants—“Coglaet ActivGel 100g” and “Coglaet Herbal 100g”—were discovered. The agency noted that the items were being sold under misleading branding that closely resembles genuine Colgate products, raising concerns about consumer deception.

The shop owner reportedly told investigators that the products were purchased from a door-to-door sales representative. However, no documentation or proof of purchase was provided, further deepening suspicions about the source and authenticity of the goods.

NAFDAC emphasized that the identified products failed to meet the required regulatory standards for registration and quality assurance. As a result, they pose a potential risk to public health and safety, particularly given the direct use of toothpaste in daily oral hygiene.

Further findings revealed that the counterfeit products—also labelled as “Coglaet Crema Dental Herbal 100g” and “Coglaet ActivGel 100g”—did not carry batch numbers or valid NAFDAC registration numbers, both of which are mandatory indicators of approved products in Nigeria.

The items were reportedly labelled as manufactured by Guangzhou YECAI Oral Cleaning Products Co., Ltd, based in Baiyun District, Guangzhou, China, with manufacturing dates of August 2025 and expiry dates set for August 2029.

In response, NAFDAC confirmed that the suspected counterfeit products have been removed from circulation while efforts are ongoing to track down distributors and prevent further spread.

The agency has also directed all zonal directors and state coordinators nationwide to intensify surveillance and ensure that any remaining counterfeit items are identified and confiscated.

NAFDAC urged distributors, retailers, and consumers to remain vigilant by carefully verifying the authenticity, packaging, and physical condition of products before purchase or use. It warned that counterfeit personal care products could contain harmful substances or fail to meet safety standards, potentially leading to adverse health effects.

Consumers are encouraged to report any suspected fake or substandard products to the nearest NAFDAC office or through its official channels, including its helpline and email platforms. Healthcare professionals and patients are also advised to report any unusual reactions linked to such products via NAFDAC’s reporting systems, including its Med-Safety mobile application.

The alert highlights the growing challenge of counterfeit consumer goods in Nigeria and underscores the importance of regulatory enforcement and public awareness in safeguarding health and safety.