Regulatory Affairs
NAFDAC Alerts Nigerians to Suspected Counterfeit ORACIRE+ Toothpaste
NAFDAC has alerted consumers and healthcare providers to the circulation of suspected counterfeit ORACIRE+ Toothpaste in Nigeria, following market surveillance in Lagos and concerns over its similarity to registered ORACARE+ Toothpaste.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted the public to the circulation of ORACIRE+ Toothpaste, a product the agency suspects is counterfeit and which is reportedly being distributed in Nigeria under the guise of the registered ORACARE+ Toothpaste.
The alert, designated Public Alert No. 041/2026, was released on 19 August 2026, with the regulatory information listed as current as of 20 August 2026.
According to NAFDAC, the alert followed a formal complaint and market intelligence concerning the distribution of the suspected counterfeit product. Market surveillance conducted at Ojuwoye Market in Mushin, Lagos, found that ORACIRE+ closely resembles the registered ORACARE+ Toothpaste in its packaging and overall presentation.
The similarity between the two products could make it difficult for consumers to distinguish the suspected counterfeit product from the registered product.
Registered product differs from suspected counterfeit
NAFDAC identified the registered product as ORACARE+ Toothpaste, manufactured/market-authorised by Aspira Nigeria Limited.
The product identified in the alert is labelled ORACIRE+ Toothpaste, with the manufacturer or marketing authorisation holder listed as unknown.
NAFDAC has not established the composition or safety profile of the suspected counterfeit product. The agency said its origin, composition, safety and quality have not been verified.
The distinction is important because the alert concerns a suspected counterfeit product, rather than a finding that the registered ORACARE+ Toothpaste manufactured by Aspira Nigeria Limited is unsafe.
Regulatory investigation underway
NAFDAC said it has commenced surveillance activities following the discovery and has directed its zonal directors and state coordinators to investigate the availability and distribution of the suspected counterfeit product.
The agency said appropriate regulatory action would be taken based on the findings of its investigation.
Counterfeit personal-care products can present safety concerns when their ingredients, manufacturing conditions, quality or source cannot be established. In this case, however, NAFDAC has not provided evidence in the alert establishing the specific health effects or composition of ORACIRE+ Toothpaste.
What consumers and healthcare professionals should do
NAFDAC advised consumers, distributors, retailers and healthcare providers to exercise caution when purchasing ORACARE+ Toothpaste.
Consumers are encouraged to obtain toothpaste and other regulated products from reputable and authorised outlets and to examine product packaging and the source of supply carefully before purchase.
Pharmacists and other healthcare professionals can also play an important role in identifying and reporting suspicious products encountered in practice or through the supply chain.
NAFDAC asked members of the public and healthcare providers who suspect that ORACIRE+ Toothpaste is being sold to report the product to the nearest NAFDAC office or through the agency’s reporting channels.
The agency provided 0800-162-3322 and sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng for reports concerning the suspected counterfeit product. Reports can also be made through NAFDAC’s Med-safety application.
For suspected adverse events or side effects associated with NAFDAC-regulated products, the agency provided pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng and its available adverse-event reporting platforms.
Why the alert matters to pharmacy practice
The alert highlights the continuing importance of vigilance across Nigeria’s medicines and healthcare-product supply chain.
For pharmacists and other healthcare professionals, identifying products that appear inconsistent with known registered products can support early detection of potential quality or regulatory problems. Verification of product details and sourcing from legitimate suppliers remain important safeguards within the pharmaceutical and healthcare supply chain.
The case also demonstrates why consumers should not rely solely on familiar-looking packaging when purchasing regulated healthcare products. Products that closely resemble legitimate brands may require verification through appropriate regulatory channels.
NAFDAC’s investigation will be important in determining the distribution of the suspected counterfeit product and any further regulatory measures required.
Pharmacy Times Nigeria will continue to monitor official regulatory updates concerning the investigation and any additional action announced by NAFDAC.