𝑵𝑨𝑭𝑫𝑨𝑪 𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝑭𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝑻𝒐𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆 𝑻𝒘𝒊𝒏 𝑭𝒐𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑵𝒊𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒏 𝑺𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔

Nigeria's food and drug regulator has warned Nigerians to beware of a fake toothpaste now in circulation, disguised to look almost exactly like a popular, registered brand.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, said the suspected counterfeit product is sold as "ORACIRE+ Toothpaste." It was designed to imitate the approved "ORACARE+ Toothpaste," with the two names separated by just one letter.

According to NAFDAC, the alert came after a formal complaint and follow-up intelligence from the market. During checks, its officials traced the fake product to Ojuwoye Market in Mushin, Lagos, where they found that its packaging, colours and design closely mirror the original, making it difficult for shoppers to spot the difference at a glance.

That similarity is the real danger, the agency said. Because the source of the fake paste is unknown, there is no record of where it was made, what it contains, or whether it is safe for use. Unlike regulated products, such counterfeits are not tested for quality or safety, and could pose health risks to unsuspecting users.

NAFDAC noted that there is a way to tell the difference. The genuine ORACARE+ Toothpaste is made by Aspira Nigeria Limited, a registered and traceable manufacturer whose details are on the pack. The suspected fake, ORACIRE+, carries no identifiable or verifiable manufacturer.

The agency said it has commenced surveillance nationwide and has directed all zonal directors and state coordinators to track the product and take regulatory action against anyone found manufacturing, distributing or selling it.

In the meantime, NAFDAC is asking Nigerians to be more careful when buying toothpaste. It advised the public to buy only from licensed and trusted outlets and to check labels properly before purchase.

It also called on shop owners, distributors and health workers to report any sighting of ORACIRE+ Toothpaste at the nearest NAFDAC office.