The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has warned Nigerians against a suspected counterfeit ORACIRE+ toothpaste being circulated in the country under the guise of the registered ORACARE+ toothpaste manufactured by Aspira Nigeria Limited.
Key Highlights:
- NAFDAC warned against fake ORACIRE+ toothpaste.
- The genuine product is ORACARE+ by Aspira Nigeria Limited.
- The counterfeit’s safety and composition are unknown.
- NAFDAC has begun surveillance and investigations.
- Consumers should buy from reputable outlets and report fakes.
NAFDAC raised the alarm in a public alert on Monday, after market surveillance at Ojuwoye Market, Mushin, Lagos, following a formal complaint and market intelligence report, uncovered the suspected counterfeit product.
According to the agency, the suspected fake closely resembles the genuine ORACARE+ in packaging design and overall presentation, potentially making it difficult for consumers to distinguish between the two products.
NAFDAC identified Aspira Nigeria Limited as the manufacturer/marketing authorisation holder of the genuine ORACARE+ toothpaste but said the manufacturer of the suspected ORACIRE+ counterfeit product is unknown.
The agency warned that the origin, composition, safety and quality of the suspected counterfeit had not been verified.
“Counterfeit personal care products may not meet established quality and safety standards and could pose health risks to consumers,” NAFDAC said.
The warning has sparked reactions on X, with Nigerians demanding stronger enforcement against manufacturers, distributors and sellers of suspected fake products.
X user @endyspy questioned the action being taken against those behind the suspected counterfeiting, asking, “What actions has @NafdacAgency taken against the producers, distributors and sellers?”
The user added: “That is what Nigerians want to see daily—people being arrested, prosecuted, fake products destroyed and factories sealed and so on. We want results and actions that deter others.”
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Another X user, @Eyoltaqt25, claimed that some products sold by traders in Lagos were fake, alleging that they had encountered what they described as fake versions of Titus fish and Kote fish.
Expressing concern over the safety of consumers, @jacobEmstarboy wrote, “Our lives are at danger,” before criticising NAFDAC’s leadership and calling for the resignation of its Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye.
The user also alleged that people were dying from fake consumable products, but provided no evidence to support the claim.
Similarly, @lamkenzy3 alleged that counterfeit versions of Capri-Sun children’s juice were also circulating, writing, “Even Capri-Sun children juice, there are some fake ones out there.”
Earlier, X user @felixherbt had expressed alarm over concerns surrounding other consumer products, writing, “At this point, I’m scared. How can Peak Milk be thick like custard?”
The user also questioned why Nigerians were not demanding the removal of Adeyeye as NAFDAC boss.
Another user, @raphaelchiemez1, described the situation as an “epidemic,” writing, “This is becoming an Epidemic and the sad part of it is Nigerians are on their own.”
Meanwhile, NAFDAC said it had commenced surveillance activities over the suspected counterfeit toothpaste.
The agency said all zonal directors and state coordinators had been instructed to investigate the availability and distribution of the suspected product and take appropriate regulatory action.
NAFDAC urged consumers to buy regulated products from reputable outlets and carefully check product names, packaging and labels before purchase.
Consumers and healthcare providers who encounter the suspected counterfeit product were also urged to report it through the agency’s toll-free line, 0800-162-3322, or via the Med Safety App.
