By Damilola Samuel
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised an alarm over the circulation of ORACIRE+ Toothpaste, a product suspected to be a counterfeit version of the registered ORACARE+ Toothpaste manufactured by Aspira Nigeria Limited.
The alert, designated Public Alert No. 041/2026, followed a formal complaint and market intelligence report on the distribution of the suspected counterfeit product in Nigeria.
According to the report on their website,NAFDAC said its market surveillance at Ojuwoye Market, Mushin, Lagos, found the product closely resembling the genuine ORACARE+ in its packaging and general appearance, potentially making it difficult for consumers to tell them apart.
The agency identified the registered product as ORACARE+ Toothpaste, manufactured by Aspira Nigeria Limited, while the manufacturer or marketing authorisation holder of the suspected counterfeit ORACIRE+ remains unknown.
NAFDAC warned that the safety of the suspected product has not been established.
“The origin, composition, safety, and quality of the suspected counterfeit product have not been verified.”
The agency further cautioned that counterfeit personal care products may fail to meet required quality and safety standards and could expose consumers to health risks.
Following the discovery, NAFDAC said it had commenced surveillance and directed its zonal directors and state coordinators to investigate the availability and distribution of the suspected counterfeit toothpaste and take appropriate regulatory action.
The agency urged consumers, retailers, distributors and healthcare providers to be particularly careful when purchasing ORACARE+ toothpaste.
It advised members of the public to buy toothpaste only from reputable and authorised outlets and to carefully check the product packaging and source of supply before making a purchase.
NAFDAC also urged anyone who suspects that ORACIRE+ Toothpaste is being sold to report it to the nearest NAFDAC office or contact the agency on 0800-162-3322 or via sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
The agency stressed that its investigation into the suspected counterfeit product is ongoing.
