Juliet Ezeh
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Agency (NAFDAC) has issued a nationwide alert over the circulation of counterfeit Colgate toothpaste in Nigeria, warning that the development poses a serious threat to public health and consumer safety. The agency’s warning follows the discovery of unregistered and suspicious toothpaste products in Kaduna, raising fresh concerns about the growing spread of fake consumer goods in local markets.
The regulatory body disclosed that the alert was triggered by a complaint received through its Post-Marketing Surveillance Directorate, which monitors the quality and safety of products already in circulation. Acting on the report, NAFDAC officials launched an immediate investigation to verify the authenticity of the products and assess the level of risk they pose to the public.
During a visit to a retail outlet in Kaduna, enforcement officers uncovered counterfeit toothpaste products branded as “Coglaet ActivGel 100g” and “Coglaet Herbal 100g.” At first glance, the products appeared to mimic the popular Colgate brand, but closer inspection revealed inconsistencies in labeling and packaging. According to the agency, the imitation was designed to deceive unsuspecting consumers who may not easily notice subtle spelling differences or packaging flaws.
The shop owner where the products were found reportedly told officials that the items were supplied by a door-to-door sales representative. However, the inability to provide receipts or documentation raised suspicions about the legitimacy of the supply chain. NAFDAC emphasized that the lack of traceability is a common red flag in cases involving counterfeit goods, making it difficult to track sources and hold distributors accountable.
Health authorities have expressed concern over the potential dangers associated with the use of such unregulated products. Toothpaste, as a daily-use oral care item, comes into direct contact with sensitive tissues in the mouth, meaning any harmful ingredients could have immediate or long-term health consequences. NAFDAC warned that the counterfeit products had not undergone mandatory testing for safety, quality, or efficacy, and therefore could contain unsafe or substandard components.
The agency stated clearly that the products failed to meet regulatory requirements, including proper registration, labeling, and quality assurance protocols. As a result, they are considered illegal and unsafe for public use. Officials confirmed that the discovered products have been confiscated and removed from circulation to prevent further distribution, while ongoing investigations aim to identify the individuals and networks responsible for bringing them into the market.
Further analysis revealed that additional variants, including “Coglaet Crema Dental Herbal 100g,” also lacked essential regulatory identifiers such as batch numbers and NAFDAC registration codes. These identifiers are critical for verifying product authenticity and ensuring accountability in case of safety concerns. Their absence is often a strong indication that a product has bypassed official regulatory processes.
The packaging of the counterfeit products indicated that they were manufactured by a company located in Guangzhou, China. While this information may appear legitimate on the surface, NAFDAC noted that counterfeiters often use fabricated or misleading manufacturing details to create a false sense of credibility. The agency stressed that consumers should not rely solely on packaging claims but should verify products through recognized regulatory markings.
In response to the discovery, NAFDAC has intensified its enforcement efforts across the country. All zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to increase surveillance, conduct routine inspections, and ensure that counterfeit products are identified and removed wherever they are found. The agency is also collaborating with other stakeholders to strengthen monitoring systems and close gaps that allow fake products to enter the market.
The incident highlights a broader issue affecting Nigeria’s consumer goods sector, where counterfeit and substandard products continue to pose risks to public health and economic stability. Fake products not only endanger consumers but also undermine the reputation of legitimate brands and manufacturers who adhere to regulatory standards.
NAFDAC is urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and adopt precautionary measures when purchasing everyday items, especially personal care products. Consumers are advised to carefully examine product packaging for spelling errors, missing registration numbers, unusual labeling, or poor-quality printing. They are also encouraged to purchase goods from reputable retailers and avoid deals that seem unusually cheap or suspicious.
Distributors and retailers have also been warned to verify the authenticity of their stock and ensure they source products only from trusted suppliers. The agency stressed that ignorance will not be accepted as an excuse for selling counterfeit goods, as such actions contribute to public health risks and violate regulatory laws.
To strengthen public participation in combating counterfeit products, NAFDAC has provided multiple channels for reporting suspicious items. Consumers can report concerns to the nearest NAFDAC office, contact the agency via its toll-free number, or send complaints through its official email platform. These reporting mechanisms are designed to enable swift action and prevent harmful products from spreading further.
Healthcare professionals have also been called upon to play a role by reporting any unusual symptoms or adverse reactions that may be linked to the use of suspected counterfeit products. Such reports can help authorities identify dangerous items more quickly and take appropriate measures to protect the public.
The agency reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health by ensuring that only safe, effective, and high-quality products are available in the Nigerian market. It assured citizens that efforts are ongoing to track down those responsible for the distribution of the fake toothpaste and bring them to justice.
As investigations continue, the warning serves as a timely reminder of the importance of consumer awareness in the fight against counterfeit goods. With increased vigilance from both authorities and the public, NAFDAC believes that the spread of fake and potentially harmful products can be significantly reduced.
Ultimately, the discovery of counterfeit toothpaste in Kaduna underscores the need for stronger collaboration between regulators, businesses, and consumers. By staying informed and proactive, Nigerians can protect themselves and contribute to a safer marketplace where quality and safety are not compromised.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.