The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has dismissed claims that it approved a “long-cleansing herbal tea” for smokers.
In a statement on Saturday, Mojisola Adeyeye, director-general of NAFDAC, said the product, identified as Lungitox (smokers pride), said the product was rejected during registration.
Adeyeye was reacting to claims made in an advertisement that the herbal tea “cleans the lungs of smokers”.
The agency urged the public to disregard the claims.
“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, alleging that NAFDAC approved the registration of a herbal product claiming that “smoking is healthy” when used with their product,” the statement reads.
“NAFDAC wishes to categorically state that this claim is false and completely unfounded. The product in question-Lung Detox Tea or Lungitox (Smokers Pride) or any similar product-is NOT registered by NAFDAC.
“The unscrupulous individual behind this product had applied for registration, but the application was outrightly rejected due to the unsubstantiated and dangerous claim that smoking could be made “healthy” by consuming the product.
“NAFDAC remains steadfast in its mandate to protect public health and ensure that only safe, effective, and scientifically substantiated products are approved. We condemn any attempt to mislead or endanger the public with false claims. The public is advised to disregard this video and report any suspicious claims or products to the Agency through our official channels.
“For further inquiries or reports, please contact NAFDAC via 0800-162-3322, email sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng, or visit our website at www.nafdac.gov.ng. NAFDAC will continue to take decisive action against any individual or entity attempting to violate public health standards.”
NAFDAC further said herbal products and other related items “are not allowed to make any therapeutic claims unless scientifically validated through proper clinical trial studies”.
The agency assured the public that it operates with professional standards and would not allow the importation, exportation, manufacture, advertisement, distribution, sale, and use of any such products.
