NAFDAC Uncovers Illegal Herbal Products Factory in Lagos, Says Fake Registration Number Was Used

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered an illegal herbal products manufacturing facility in Agege, Lagos State, where three unregistered products were allegedly produced under unhygienic conditions.

The facility was discovered on Thursday, October 22, following intelligence received by the agency about the alleged production of Ashietu Adams Bitters using a fake NAFDAC registration number.

According to the agency, the registration number displayed on one of the products reportedly belonged to a registered cough syrup.

Speaking to journalists after the discovery, Deputy Director in charge of the Pharmaceutical Division, Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, NAFDAC, Pharm. Edith Joseph, said the agency received intelligence about the suspected illegal operation on October 16.

She explained that surveillance and intelligence gathering subsequently led officials to the facility, which was concealed within a residential building in Agege.

Joseph described the production environment as unhygienic, expressing concern over the condition of the water used in manufacturing the products and the surroundings where production took place.

“What we found was shocking. The facility was in a very poor and unhygienic condition. Look at the water they use for production and the environment where the manufacturing takes place. The products are manufactured outdoors, in the open air. I can tell you that this facility is not approved by NAFDAC,” she said.

The discovery raises concerns about the safety and quality of herbal products manufactured outside approved regulatory conditions, particularly where products allegedly bear registration numbers that do not belong to them.

NAFDAC regulates the registration, manufacture and distribution of food, drugs and other regulated products in Nigeria to help ensure that they meet established safety and quality standards.

Consumers are advised to exercise caution when purchasing herbal medicines and other health-related products, and to check product registration details before use.