The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Sunday refuted claims of approving Lung Detox herbal tea promoting smoking.
In a press statement made available to Vanguard, the Director General of the Agency insisted NAFDAC did not register the herbal tea.
The statement reads in parts: ‘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.
‘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 submitted anti-smoke and lung detox tea for registration in 2023. It was queried at the Lagos Office Directorate LOD of NAFDAC and was not resubmitted for processing. The application was outrightly queried due to the unsubstantiated and dangerous claim that smoking could be made “healthy” by consuming the product.
‘It should be noted that we don’t allow pictorials of organs on product artwork.
‘As a scientific and professional agency, NAFDAC will never permit the importation, exportation, manufacture, advertisement, distribution, sale, and use of products with claims that do not have any scientific basis.
‘Herbal Products and any other related products are not allowed to make any therapeutic claims unless scientifically validated through proper clinical trial studies.
‘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.”
The agency enjoined Nigerians to report such illegal activities to contact NAFDAC via 0800-162-3322, email sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng, or visit their website at www.nafdac.gov.ng. NAFDAC to take decisive action against any individual or entity attempting to violate public health standards.
