The attention of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been drawn to a misleading video circulating on social media, falsely alleging that the Agency approved the registration of a herbal product claiming that “smoking is healthy” when used with their product.
NAFDAC categorically refutes this claim as false, baseless, and completely unfounded. The product in question—Lung Detox Tea or Lungitox (Smokers Pride), or any similar product—is NOT registered by NAFDAC.
In 2023, an unscrupulous individual submitted an application to register an “anti-smoke and lung detox tea” at NAFDAC’s Lagos State Office (LSO). Upon review, the application was rejected due to the unsubstantiated and dangerous claim that smoking could be made “healthy” by consuming the product. The applicant was asked to substantiate his claim, but the product was never resubmitted for processing.
It is important to emphasise that NAFDAC does not and will never permit the approval, importation, exportation, manufacture, advertisement, distribution, or sale of any product that lacks a solid scientific basis or any product that poses a potential risk to public health. The claims made in the application were not only unscientific, but also posed a significant danger to public health.
As a science-driven and professional regulatory body, NAFDAC strictly enforces its mandate to protect public health, as outlined in the NAFDAC Act Cap N1 LFN 2004. All products under the Agency’s regulatory purview—food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, bottled water, and chemicals—are thoroughly evaluated for safety, quality, and efficacy before approval. Additionally, the Agency does not allow the use of pictorials of organs on product packaging or artwork, as seen in the misleading product.
NAFDAC reiterates that clients who apply to register herbal products or any similar products are not permitted to make therapeutic claims, unless those claims have been scientifically validated through proper clinical trials. Misleading and deceptive practices, especially those that endanger public health, will not be tolerated.
The Agency remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding public health by ensuring that only safe, effective, and scientifically substantiated products are approved. We condemn any attempts by individuals or organisations to mislead the public or promote products with unfounded claims.
In the meantime, the Agency is not unmindful of the bogus and unsubstantiated allegations of financial inducement contained in the video. Ordinarily, this sort of claim will be ignored, particularly since the product was not registered by the Agency. However, our Legal Services Directorate (LESD) is reviewing the statements of financial compromise with the goal of seeking a redress in the law court. This should serve as a deterrent to individuals who may choose to malign or make libellous statements against the Agency in the future.
The general public is advised to disregard the misleading video and avoid patronising any unregistered or suspicious products. We encourage everyone to report such activities to NAFDAC through the following channels:
Hotline: 0800-162-3322
Email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng or reform@nafdac.gov.ng
Website: www.nafdac.gov.ng
NAFDAC will continue to take decisive action against any individuals or entities that violate public health standards. Together, we can protect the health and safety of all Nigerians.
Signed,
Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye
Director-General
National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)
