NAFDAC alerts Nigerians over suspected fake Colgate toothpaste in circulation

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 associated with the Colgate brand.

In a statement posted on its official X handle on Sunday, the agency said its Post-Marketing Surveillance Directorate received a complaint about the products in Kaduna State, prompting an immediate investigation.

During the inspection, officials reportedly discovered two questionable products labelled “Coglaet ActivGel 100g” and “Coglaet Herbal 100g,” which are believed to be imitations of established oral care brands.

NAFDAC said the items were found in a retail outlet, where the shop owner claimed they were supplied by a door-to-door salesperson, but could not provide proof of purchase.

The agency warned that the products had not been registered or approved for sale, adding that they failed to meet required safety and quality standards.

According to the statement, the suspected counterfeit items also lacked key identification details such as batch numbers and registration codes.

Labels on the products indicated they were allegedly manufactured by a company based in Guangzhou, China, with production dates listed as August 2025 and expiry dates in 2029.

NAFDAC confirmed that the products have been withdrawn from circulation while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend those involved in their distribution.

The agency directed its zonal offices and state coordinators to intensify surveillance and remove any remaining suspected fake products from the market.

It also urged wholesalers, retailers and consumers to be vigilant, advising them to carefully check product authenticity before purchase or use.

Members of the public were encouraged to report suspected counterfeit or substandard products to the nearest NAFDAC office or through its official communication channels.

Source: Vanguard