NAFDAC alerts Nigerians to suspected counterfeit ORACIRE+ toothpaste

By Adebola Muili

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians to the circulation of suspected counterfeit ORACIRE+ Toothpaste, warning that the product is being distributed under the guise of the registered ORACARE+ Toothpaste.

In Public Alert No. 041/2026, NAFDAC said the suspected counterfeit product closely resembles the genuine ORACARE+ Toothpaste in packaging design and overall presentation, making it difficult for consumers to distinguish between the two.

The Agency said the alert followed a formal complaint and market intelligence report on the widespread distribution of the suspected counterfeit product, adding that market surveillance at Ojuwoye Market, Mushin, Lagos, revealed the circulation of the product.

According to NAFDAC, the genuine product is ORACARE+ Toothpaste, manufactured and marketed by Aspira Nigeria Limited, while the manufacturer or Marketing Authorisation Holder of the suspected ORACIRE+ Toothpaste is unknown.

The Agency warned that the origin, composition, safety and quality of the suspected counterfeit product had not been verified, stressing that counterfeit personal care products may not meet established quality and safety standards and could pose health risks to consumers.

NAFDAC said it had commenced surveillance activities and directed all zonal directors and state coordinators to investigate the availability and distribution of the suspected product and take appropriate regulatory action.

Consumers, distributors, retailers and healthcare providers were advised to exercise caution when purchasing ORACARE+ Toothpaste, with the Agency urging them to patronise reputable and authorised outlets and carefully examine product packaging and sources of supply before purchase.

The Agency also urged members of the public to report any suspected sale or distribution of ORACIRE+ Toothpaste to the nearest NAFDAC office, call 0800-162-3322, or send an email to sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng. Reports can also be made through the Med-safety application available on Android and iOS devices.

Meanwhile, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to building sustainable regulatory systems that will ensure Nigerians have access to safe, quality and efficacious medicines and nutritious foods.

Adeyeye stated this on Monday, September 14, 2026, in a goodwill message at the Mid-Year Review of Nigeria’s Health Sector Reforms and Policy Dialogue in Abuja. The event and her remarks were reported on Monday.

She said universal health coverage could not be achieved without reliable access to essential health commodities, emphasising the importance of strong regulatory systems, quality management and a competent workforce in delivering sustainable health outcomes.

“We cannot have UHC without commodities. We cannot have universal health coverage without leadership,” Adeyeye said, according to the report of the event.

The NAFDAC Director-General said the Agency had strengthened its internal systems, staff capacity and regulatory processes to ensure Nigerians had access to quality, safe and effective medicines and nutritious foods.

She also highlighted NAFDAC’s progress in strengthening its regulatory systems through standard operating procedures, quality management systems and the World Health Organisation’s Global Benchmarking Tool.

Adeyeye said the achievements reflected NAFDAC’s focus on building sustainable systems and institutional capacity, while strengthening Nigeria’s regulatory framework and contributing to public health protection.

NAFDAC further encouraged consumers and healthcare providers to report adverse events or side effects associated with any NAFDAC-regulated product through the nearest NAFDAC office, its e-reporting platforms, the Med-safety application or pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.