The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has refuted claims that it approved the herbal product Lung Detox Tea or Lungitox (Smokers Pride), which falsely asserts that it makes smoking safe when used.
NAFDAC condemned the misleading claim circulating in a video on social media, describing it as false and unfounded, emphasizing that such claims endanger public health while urging Nigerians to disregard them.
In a statement on Sunday by its Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, NAFDAC clarified that the promoters of the product had applied for registration but the application was denied as the product’s scientific efficacy and safety could not be substantiated.
The statement reads: “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 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.
“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”.
