How To Know A Fake NAFDAC Number?

A NAFDAC registration number is a unique code assigned by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Nigeria.

This number shows that a product, such as food, drugs, or cosmetics, has been tested and approved for safety and quality. It helps consumers identify genuine products and avoid counterfeit ones. But how can you identify a fake NAFDAC registration number?

How To Check The NAFDAC Registration Number?

NAFDAC, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control in Nigeria, has made it easy for consumers to check if a product is genuine.

This helps people avoid buying fake or harmful products. However, two of the most effective ways to check are the Mobile Authentication Service (MAS) and third-party verification websites.

Mobile Authentication Service (MAS)

The Mobile Authentication Service (MAS) is a simple way to check if a product has a valid NAFDAC number using your mobile phone.

Here’s how to use it:

Look for a scratch panel on the product’s packaging. When you scratch it, you’ll see a unique PIN code.
Send the PIN code as an SMS to a specific short code, depending on the service provider.

The codes are:

PharmaSecure: 38351

Sproxil: 38353

Savanté: 38120

UBQ-t/Kezzler: 20966

M-Pedigree: 1393

You’ll get an SMS reply that tells you if the product is genuine or suspected to be fake. This service works on any GSM network in Nigeria. Currently, MAS is used mainly for verifying antimalarial and antibiotic medicines that are imported or made in Nigeria. It is a great tool for detecting counterfeit products and helps you buy only safe and genuine medicines.

Third-Party Verification Sites

In addition to using MAS, you can also verify products online using third-party websites. One popular website is topinfo, which allows you to check a product’s authenticity using the product name, company name, or NAFDAC registration number.

Here’s how to verify a product on topinfo.ng:

Go to topinfo.ng/nafdac-verify.
Choose how you want to verify, by product name, company name, or NAFDAC number.
Enter the required information and click “Verify”.

The website will show the results, letting you know if the product is genuine or fake. However, these sites rely on information provided by NAFDAC, so the results may not always be fully up-to-date.

What Are The Signs Of A Fake NAFDAC Number?

Here are key signs of a fake NAFDAC number:

Absence Of NAFDAC Number:

Every real product in Nigeria should have a NAFDAC registration number on the packaging. If a product does not have this number, it is likely fake. Such a product may be unsafe to use. Always make sure to check for the NAFDAC number before buying any product.

Poor Quality Packaging:

Fake products often come in cheap or poorly printed packaging. If the packaging looks weak, has blurry printing, or contains spelling errors, the product may not be genuine. Also, if the packaging looks tampered with or is an unusual shape or size, it could be a fake product.

Unusual Pricing:

If a product is sold at a much lower price than similar products on the market, it could be a fake. Real products usually have consistent pricing because of the quality and safety checks they go through. Be careful of products that seem too cheap.

Lack Of Manufacturer Information:

Genuine products will have clear information about the manufacturer, including their address and contact details. If this information is missing or unclear, it is a red flag. Always verify the manufacturer’s credibility before buying any product.

Suspicious Smells Or Appearance:

Counterfeit products may smell or look strange. For example, fake medicines may smell like chemicals or paint thinner, and fake food products could be discolored. If something about the product’s appearance or smell seems off, do not use it.

No Barcode Or QR Code:

Many real products come with barcodes or QR codes that can be scanned to check their authenticity. If a product does not have these codes, it might be fake. Scanning these codes gives you extra assurance that the product is genuine.

Verification Issues:

You can verify a NAFDAC number through the official NAFDAC website or by using the Mobile Authentication Service (MAS). If your verification attempt fails, the product is likely fake. Always make sure to use these official ways to confirm if the product is real or not.

How To Report A Fake NAFDAC Product?

Here’s how you can report a fake NAFDAC product:

Gather Important Information

Before you report the product, collect all the details you can about it. These include:

Product Name
NAFDAC Registration Number
Manufacturer Details
Purchase Information
Product Condition

Visit A NAFDAC Office

You can visit the nearest NAFDAC office to make a report in person. When you get there, you will be interviewed by a NAFDAC officer, who will take down all the details about the product and your complaint. NAFDAC will ensure your identity stays confidential and anonymous during the process.

Use The PRASCOR System

NAFDAC has a system called PRASCOR (Pharmacovigilance Rapid Alert System for Consumer Reporting) that lets you report fake products through SMS. Here’s how to do it:

Send a text message to the number 20543.Your message should include the name of the product and why you think it’s fake or unsafe. example: “I bought a cream with no NAFDAC number.” You will receive an auto-response confirming that NAFDAC has received your message.

Contact NAFDAC Directly

If you want to call or email, you can reach NAFDAC using these details:

Phone: +234-435555333
Email: der@nafdac.gov.ng