The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians to the circulation of a suspected counterfeit toothpaste, ORACIRE+, being distributed in the country under the guise of the registered ORACARE+ Toothpaste.
The alert, issued on Monday as Public Alert No. 041/2026, followed a formal complaint and market intelligence report concerning the alleged widespread distribution of the suspected counterfeit product.
NAFDAC said market surveillance conducted at Ojuwoye Market in Mushin, Lagos, revealed the suspected counterfeit toothpaste.
According to the agency, the product closely resembles the registered ORACARE+ Toothpaste in its packaging design and overall presentation, making it difficult for unsuspecting consumers to distinguish the suspected fake from the genuine product.
The development has raised concerns over the potential risks to consumers who may purchase and use the product believing that they are buying the registered toothpaste.
NAFDAC said the origin, composition, safety and quality of the suspected counterfeit ORACIRE+ Toothpaste have not been verified. It consequently warned that counterfeit personal-care products may not comply with established quality and safety standards and could pose health risks to consumers.
The agency stressed that consumers should not assume that a product is safe simply because its packaging closely resembles that of a known or registered brand.
NAFDAC urged members of the public to exercise particular caution when purchasing ORACARE+ Toothpaste and to obtain the product only from reputable and authorised outlets.
It further advised consumers to carefully examine the product’s packaging and establish the source of supply before making purchases.
As part of its response to the alert, NAFDAC said it has commenced surveillance activities to determine the extent of circulation of the suspected counterfeit product.
The agency has directed all its zonal directors and State coordinators to investigate the availability and distribution of the suspected ORACIRE+ Toothpaste in their respective jurisdictions.
They have also been instructed to take appropriate regulatory action based on the findings of their investigations.
NAFDAC called on consumers, distributors, retailers and healthcare providers to remain vigilant and report any suspected sale or distribution of the counterfeit ORACIRE+ Toothpaste.
Members of the public can report suspected cases to the nearest NAFDAC office.
Reports can also be made through NAFDAC’s toll-free telephone line 0800-162-3322 or by email at sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
The agency further encouraged consumers and healthcare professionals to use the Med Safety App, which is available for download on both Android and iOS devices, to report suspected safety concerns.
NAFDAC emphasised the importance of public cooperation in helping regulatory authorities identify counterfeit products and prevent their further circulation.
The agency’s alert is specifically directed at the suspected counterfeit ORACIRE+ Toothpaste and should not be interpreted as a declaration that the registered ORACARE+ Toothpaste itself is counterfeit or unsafe.
Consumers are therefore advised to verify the authenticity and source of the product before purchase and to immediately alert NAFDAC if they encounter the suspected ORACIRE+ product in the market.