The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down three cosmetics shops and raided several others in Lagos for the illegal sale and stocking of unregistered products.
The operation specifically targeted stores selling the “Dr. Teal’s” brand cosmetics, following a complaint from the trademark holder about potential counterfeit items. Samples were seized for laboratory testing to verify their safety and authenticity.
On Wednesday, NAFDAC’s enforcement unit raided the cosmetics section of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, as well as leading cosmetics shops in Egbeda and Ikeja areas. The raid followed a tip-off from concerned Nigerians.
Two suspected shops at the trade fair complex were clamped down on along Excellent Line. Although the shop owners were absent, attendants were issued invitation letters, and several shops were sealed.
Managers of the affected shops and supermarkets claimed to have documents validating their products and promised to present them.
Addressing journalists at the Trade Fair Complex, Mr. Ishildi Sunday, Chief Regulatory Officer of NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, explained that the agency received a complaint from the trademark owner regarding alleged fakes in the market.
“Technically, any regulated product without a NAFDAC registration number is considered fake. We cannot vouch for the quality and safety of any unregistered product,” Sunday stated.
He emphasized that NAFDAC’s mandate is to safeguard the health of Nigerians by ensuring all regulated products are safe and of good quality, which can only be confirmed through laboratory analyses.
Sunday added that the affected shops would be reopened after the necessary sanctions for the sale, manufacture, or distribution of unregistered products are administered. If found guilty, the shop owners will face an administrative penalty of N5 million for selling unregistered products according to NAFDAC’s tariff.
“Retailers and suppliers are liable, and NAFDAC will penalize violators,” Sunday stressed. The primary focus of the raid was on Dr. Teal’s products to avoid distractions given the number of shops visited.
During the raid, three unregistered products—shower gel, oil, and lotion—were evacuated, and invitation letters issued. Additionally, Cubana Stores (Global Venture) at Phil Hallmark Plaza was sealed for stocking and selling the unregistered Dr. Teal’s Moisturizing Body and Bath range.
The owner, claiming ignorance of the product’s non-registration, led the team to Perfect Trust at Kano Plaza, where he allegedly purchased it. Despite confirming the presence of the products, the shop was not sealed as the Cubana owner could not produce the required receipt of purchase.
At Okas Global Link Ltd, over 200 cartons of various ranges of Dr. Teal’s products and other unregistered items were discovered and confiscated by NAFDAC.
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Sunday highlighted the health risks associated with using fake cosmetics, noting that harmful bleaching agents or excessive active ingredients could lead to severe skin issues, including cancer. He explained that compounds like mercury and hydroquinone, if used beyond permissible limits, can cause skin damage and other health problems.
Corroborating Sunday’s views during the raid in Ikeja, Mr. Ushadari Kayam, Assistant Director of Investigation and Enforcement at NAFDAC, noted that the shop owners had ignored previous warnings about stocking and selling unregistered products.
Kayam confirmed that some products were unregistered, fake, and adulterated, necessitating further investigation and questioning of the supermarket owners.
