Counterfeit Products: NAFDAC Warns Nigerians Against KY Jelly, Evacuates Suspected Fakes In Warri
By BLESSING AGWE ODUGO
THE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized suspected counterfeit cosmetics and other regulated products during an enforcement operation at Igbudu Market in Warri, Delta State. The agency also warned consumers against purchasing KY Jelly lubricant currently circulating in the market.
NAFDAC officers from the Asaba Zonal Office carried out the operation on Friday following intelligence reports about the alleged proliferation of counterfeit regulated products in the popular market.
The enforcement team received support from the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army and Igbudu Market union officials. Together, they inspected identified shops and locations before evacuating products suspected to be counterfeit.
Suspected Fake Products Seized
Among the seized items were products bearing the brand names of Listerine, Nivea and SC Johnson. The team also evacuated KY Jelly lubricant and other regulated products whose authenticity required scrutiny.
According to a NAFDAC official who spoke during the exercise, the agency acted on intelligence about the circulation of suspected counterfeit goods. Consequently, officers visited the identified locations and removed the products from the market.
NAFDAC Issues Fresh Warning Over KY Jelly
Beyond the seizures, the agency raised particular concern about KY Jelly lubricant. A NAFDAC official disclosed that the product’s Marketing Authorisation Holders had informed the agency that the last authorised supply entered the market more than five years ago.
He therefore urged consumers to regard any KY Jelly currently offered for sale as suspect because its authenticity and source could not be established.
“Any KY Jelly in the market you see today is suspect,” the official warned. He consequently advised the public against patronising the product until its authenticity could be confirmed.
Agency Denies Reports of Attack on Officers
Meanwhile, NAFDAC dismissed social media reports claiming that traders attacked its officers or chased them out of Igbudu Market during the operation.
The official insisted that the team completed its assignment without obstruction. He also maintained that the market union cooperated throughout the exercise.
“Nobody chased us. We went diligently, we did our works, we visited all the shops, and we moved all these products away from that market,” he said.
Furthermore, he explained that the union president and other officials guided the team to the shops identified for inspection. Meanwhile, DSS and Nigerian Army personnel provided security support.
The official described the online reports as an attempt to blackmail the market union leadership. He stressed that the operation involved no confrontation between NAFDAC personnel, traders or union officials.
NAFDAC Commends Security Agencies, Market Union
Following the operation, the agency thanked the Igbudu Market union leadership for its cooperation. It also acknowledged the support provided by the DSS, the Nigerian Army and NAFDAC’s Directorate of Investigation and Enforcement.
NAFDAC maintained that its officers successfully accessed the identified locations and evacuated the suspected offending products.
The enforcement exercise comes amid continuing concerns about counterfeit regulated goods and the risks they may pose to consumers. Accordingly, the agency urged members of the public to exercise caution when purchasing products whose authenticity and supply sources cannot be verified.
