NAFDAC Flags Dangerous Fake Colgate: What Consumers Need to Know

Introduction

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued an urgent high-level alert following the discovery of lethal counterfeit toothpaste variants circulating in the Nigerian market. According to Public Alert No. 022/2026, the agency’s Post-Marketing Surveillance (PMS) Directorate uncovered these sub-standard products in Kaduna State, prompting a nationwide “mop-up” operation to protect public health.
The discovery highlights a sophisticated attempt by counterfeiters to mimic global brands, though several glaring “red flags” can help vigilant consumers protect themselves.

Contents

Introduction Identifying the Counterfeit: The “Coglaet” Variants The Specific Batch Numbers to Avoid Technical Analysis: Labeling and Manufacturer Errors The Grave Health Risks: Toxic Contamination Diethylene Glycol (DEG) Poisoning Lead and Bacterial Contamination Consumer Action Plan: How to Stay Safe in 2026 Official Reporting Channels

Identifying the Counterfeit: The “Coglaet” Variants

The counterfeit products are branded as “Coglaet”—a clever misspelling designed to trick the casual eye into seeing “Colgate.” NAFDAC has identified two primary variants that are currently being sold in 100g tubes:

Coglaet ActivGel (100g)
Coglaet Herbal (100g)

The Specific Batch Numbers to Avoid

While counterfeits often lack data, NAFDAC has flagged the following specific batch numbers as high-risk and dangerous:

GG3470
LG8659
GG2440
If you have a tube with these markings, discontinue use immediately.

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Technical Analysis: Labeling and Manufacturer Errors

A key part of NAFDAC’s investigation involved a labeling audit. The legitimate Colgate product is registered but not yet widely imported in these specific formats, whereas the fake batches carry no NAFDAC Registration Number.

Stated Manufacturer: The fakes claim to be produced by Guangzhou YECAI Oral Cleaning Products Co., Ltd, China.
Manufacturing Date: Often listed as August 2025.
Expiry Date: Extended to August 2029.
The “Door-to-Door” Factor: Investigations revealed that these products are often sold to unsuspecting retailers by “door-to-door” sales representatives who offer no official invoice or proof of purchase.

The Grave Health Risks: Toxic Contamination

Why is this more than just a case of “fake branding”? Counterfeit toothpastes are frequently manufactured in unsanitary conditions using industrial-grade chemicals.

Diethylene Glycol (DEG) Poisoning

Historically, fake toothpaste has been found to contain diethylene glycol, a toxic chemical used in antifreeze. Even in small amounts, DEG can lead to:

Acute Kidney Injury: Which can be fatal if not treated immediately.
Neurological Issues: Including headaches and altered mental states.
Abdominal Distress: Severe vomiting and inability to pass urine.

Lead and Bacterial Contamination

Without NAFDAC’s quality assurance, these tubes may contain high levels of lead or harmful bacteria, leading to chronic poisoning or severe oral infections that can enter the bloodstream through the gums.

Consumer Action Plan: How to Stay Safe in 2026

NAFDAC and health professionals suggest a four-step verification process before purchasing any oral care product:

The Spelling Test: Closely inspect the brand name. Counterfeiters often swap one letter (e.g., “Coglaet” or “Cloguide”) to avoid certain legal loopholes.
Visual Inspection: Legitimate Colgate tubes have sharp, high-quality printing. Fakes often have blurred text or “bleeding” colors on the crimped end of the tube.
Authentication: Use the NAFDAC Greenbook or the official mobile authentication service (MAS) if available on the packaging.
Source Verification: Always purchase your toiletries from reputable pharmacies or supermarkets. Avoid “street hawkers” or unregulated open-market stalls offering prices that seem “too good to be true.”

Official Reporting Channels

If you encounter these products or experience adverse reactions (such as gum swelling or strange metallic tastes), NAFDAC urges you to report immediately: