NAFDAC alerts Nigerians to fake Colgate toothpaste in circulation

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) issued a public alert (Public Alert No. 022/2026) on March 25, 2026, regarding the discovery of unregistered and suspected counterfeit Colgate toothpaste in circulation.

Key Details of the Alert
The Issue: NAFDAC received a complaint regarding the sale of unregistered and counterfeit toothpaste that mimics the Colgate brand.

Identified Products: Investigation by the Post-Marketing Surveillance (PMS) Directorate uncovered two specific products in Kaduna State branded as:

"Coglaet ActivGel 100g"

"Coglaet Herbal 100g"

Findings: These products were found to be unregistered, lacked valid NAFDAC registration numbers, and had no proper batch markings. They reportedly list Guangzhou YECAI Oral Cleaning Products Co., Ltd (China) as the manufacturer, with listed manufacturing dates of August 2025 and expiry dates of August 2029.

Status: NAFDAC has removed these products from the identified retail outlet and has instructed its state coordinators and zonal directors to conduct surveillance and mop up any such products found within their jurisdictions.

Advice to Consumers and Retailers
NAFDAC urges the public to be vigilant and verify the authenticity of products before purchase.

Check Carefully: Examine the product label for the NAFDAC registration number, clear batch markings, and quality of packaging. Avoid products that seem suspicious or are sold by unauthorized door-to-door sales representatives without proof of purchase.

Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter these or other suspected counterfeit products, please report them immediately to the nearest NAFDAC office. You can also reach them through:

Toll-free Hotline: 0800-162-3322

Email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng

Official Website: www.nafdac.gov.ng

Since the Colgate alert, NAFDAC has remained active in flagging several other high-risk counterfeit products. Beyond daily household items, recent alerts have focused on critical medical supplies and life-saving medications.

Recent NAFDAC Public Alerts (March – April 2026)
Avastin 400mg (Cancer Medication): On March 8, 2026 (Alert No. 012/2026), NAFDAC warned of counterfeit batches (K1830T71 and H0375B01) of Avastin. The fake vials contained spelling errors on the artwork and serial numbers that did not match the manufacturer’s database.

VISITECT HIV Test Kits: In late February 2026 (Alert No. 011/2026), the agency identified counterfeit HIV diagnostic kits. Discrepancies included a faked three-year shelf life, whereas the genuine product only has 18 months.

Sachet Alcohol Crackdown: Throughout March 2026, NAFDAC intensified its enforcement on the ban of alcohol in sachets and small PET bottles (less than 200ml) to curb abuse among minors and high-risk groups.

How to Verify Products Yourself
To protect yourself from sophisticated counterfeits like the fake Colgate, you can use these official NAFDAC verification methods:

1. The Mobile Authentication Service (MAS)
Most antimalarials and antibiotics in Nigeria feature a scratch-and-text panel.

Action: Scratch the silver panel to reveal a unique 10-12 digit PIN.

Method: Text the PIN to the shortcode provided on the pack (common codes include 38353 or 1393).

Response: You should receive a text within minutes confirming if the product is "Genuine" or "Suspected Fake."

Note: Recent reports suggest some network delays with these SMS services; if you don't get a reply, try calling the help number printed on the pack.

2. NAPAMS Product Verification
For food, cosmetics, and other regulated goods (like toothpaste), you can check the NAFDAC Registration Number online.

Visit the NAPAMS Portal.

Select "Verify Products" and enter the NAFDAC number found on the packaging.

If the number does not appear or the product name in the database doesn't match the one in your hand, it is likely unregistered or fake.

3. Visual Checks (The "Three S" Rule)
Spelling: Counterfeits often have tiny typos (e.g., "Coglaet" instead of "Colgate").

Seal: Check if the tamper-evident seal is broken or looks poorly reapplied.

Source: Avoid door-to-door vendors or "roving" sales reps who cannot provide a formal receipt or proof of purchase.