The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) raided the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, sealing more than five cosmetic shops for selling counterfeit products.
Why It Matters
The health hazards associated with fake products are numerous and prevalent in Nigeria. Counterfeit items can easily be mistaken for genuine ones, posing significant risks to consumers. These fake cosmetics can have harmful effects on the skin, leading to severe health issues for unsuspecting buyers. Raids like this are crucial for curbing the spread of counterfeit products in Lagos and across Nigeria.
What They Are Saying
Speaking with journalists, Ishidi Sunday, Chief Regulatory Officer of NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, stated that the agency’s focus during the raid was on the Dr. Teal’s brand.
“With the help of men known as ‘the pointers’, the enforcement team located two of the suspected shops — Shop 158 and Shop 159 at the Excellent Line,” said Sunday.
“We’re here today on this operation in response to a complaint received in the office regarding the counterfeiting of Dr. Teal’s range of cosmetic products from the registered trademark owner and the market authorisation holder,” Sunday told NAN.
Technically, any regulated product without a NAFDAC registration number is considered fake. “As it is, any product that is not registered, we cannot vouch for the quality and safety of its use by the general public,” Sunday explained.
“The shops will be unsealed after administering our necessary stipulated sanctions. We have sanctions for the sale, manufacture, or distribution of unregistered products.
“There are many health challenges associated with the use of fake cosmetic products, depending on the bleaching agents or active ingredients in that particular cosmetic.
“For instance, if a cosmetic product contains mercury, a bleaching agent, the user will develop freckles—red-dark patches on the skin—that can eventually lead to skin cancer.
“Some products, like hydroquinone, are allowed by NAFDAC only in certain percentages; but when in excess, it becomes a threat to the skin. Skin toning involves inhibiting the enzyme that produces melanin, which gives us natural pigmentation. Inhibiting these enzymes leads to skin toning or bleaching.”
Bottom Line
The raid underscores NAFDAC’s commitment to combating fake and counterfeit goods. It also highlights the importance of public cooperation in informing the agency about possible locations of counterfeit products to facilitate quicker and more effective enforcement. Nigerians should cooperate with regulatory agencies and report any suspicious activities to help curb this menace.
