The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down three cosmetics shops and raided several others in Lagos for selling and stocking unregistered products.
The raids targeted shops selling “Dr. Teal’s” brand cosmetics following a complaint from the trademark holder about potential counterfeits. NAFDAC seized samples for laboratory testing to verify their safety and authenticity.
On Wednesday, the Agency’s enforcement unit raided the cosmetics section of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex and other major cosmetics shops in Egbeada and Ikeja.
This action was prompted by a tip-off from concerned Nigerians. Two suspected shops at the trade fair complex along Excellent Line were clamped down on; although the shop owners were not present, attendants were issued invitation letters, and some shops were sealed.
Managers of the affected shops and supermarkets claimed they had documents to verify their products’ legitimacy and promised to provide them.
Addressing journalists at the Trade Fair Complex, Ishildi Sunday, Chief Regulatory Officer of NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, explained that the complaint from the trademark owner indicated alleged fakes and unauthorized market activities.
“Technically, any regulated product without a NAFDAC registration number is considered fake,” Sunday stated.
“We cannot vouch for the quality and safety of unregistered products, and it is our mandate to safeguard the health of Nigerians by ensuring all regulated products are safe and of good quality. This can only be confirmed through laboratory analyses.”
He added that the affected shops would be reopened after necessary sanctions for the sale, manufacture, or distribution of unregistered products were administered. If found guilty, the shop owners would face an administrative penalty of N5 million according to NAFDAC’s tariff.
“Retailers and suppliers are liable, and NAFDAC will penalize violators,” Sunday stressed. “Our focus was primarily on Dr. Teal’s products, and to avoid distractions, we concentrated on this specific brand.”
