NAFDAC Disowns Viral Fake Products List, Warns Nigerians of Misinformation

NAFDAC Disowns Viral Fake Products List, Warns Nigerians of Misinformation

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians against circulating a viral social media list alleging that several products sold in the country are fake, adulterated or substandard, saying the list is not an official communication from the agency.

The warning comes amid growing concern among consumers over the authenticity and safety of products available in Nigerian markets, with unverified claims circulating online about food, beverages, medicines and other consumer goods.

NAFDAC cautioned that sharing unconfirmed allegations could mislead the public, trigger unnecessary panic and damage the reputation of legitimate manufacturers, distributors and retailers.

The agency stressed that the appearance of a product or brand on a social media list does not automatically establish that it is counterfeit, adulterated or unsafe for consumption or use.

According to the regulator, claims about the safety or quality of products must be assessed through appropriate regulatory procedures, including investigations, product sampling and laboratory testing where necessary.

NAFDAC also explained that official product alerts and recall notices contain verifiable information about the affected products and any regulatory action taken. Consumers were therefore urged to distinguish between confirmed safety warnings and claims circulated by individuals or unofficial social media accounts.

The agency advised Nigerians to consult its official communication channels for information on product recalls, safety alerts, counterfeit medicines and substandard consumer goods before acting on or sharing such claims.

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It further encouraged consumers to report suspected fake or adulterated products to the appropriate authorities for investigation rather than relying solely on viral posts.

NAFDAC warned that the indiscriminate circulation of unverified product allegations could have serious consequences for businesses whose products are wrongly identified, while also making it more difficult for consumers to distinguish genuine safety warnings from misinformation.

The agency’s position highlights the importance of verifying product-related information, particularly when allegations involve widely used brands or essential household items.

Consumers should check the details of any official warning, including the product name, batch number, registration details and instructions issued by the regulator. Where a specific product has been recalled or flagged, the applicable notice should guide consumers on whether to stop using it or take other recommended precautions.

The public is also encouraged to report suspicious products, misleading labels and suspected counterfeit goods through NAFDAC’s official reporting channels.

The agency reiterated the importance of protecting public health and urged Nigerians to verify claims before sharing them online.

Consumers should note that the warning about the viral list does not mean every product named in it has been independently cleared as safe. The status of any particular product should be determined through verified regulatory information and applicable official notices.

NAFDAC Disowns Viral Fake Products List, Warns Nigerians of Misinformation