How To Know Fake NAFDAC Number?
Counterfeit products pose a serious threat to your health. Don’t be fooled by fake NAFDAC numbers. In this guide, you’ll learn how to spot fake NAFDAC numbers and protect yourself from harmful goods. Plus, this guide will share with you three simple steps to verify the authenticity of products.
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What Is A Fake NAFDAC Number?
A fake NAFDAC number refers to a registration number that is either made up or linked to products that have not been properly approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Nigeria.
NAFDAC assigns numbers to products like food, drugs, and cosmetics to show they have met safety and quality standards.
This number is a must because it guarantees customers that the product is safe to use. However, not all NAFDAC numbers you see are real.
Some companies or individuals may create fake numbers and put them on their products to make them look legitimate. These fake numbers trick people into thinking the product has passed NAFDAC’s tests, but in reality, it hasn’t.
This can be dangerous because products with fake NAFDAC numbers have not gone through the required safety checks. They may contain harmful ingredients or be poorly labeled, which increases the risk of health problems.
For example, a product with a fake NAFDAC number could contain chemicals that could cause allergic reactions, or it may not list important details like dosage instructions or expiration dates.
This makes it harder for consumers to know if the product is safe or how to use it properly. To avoid buying products with fake NAFDAC numbers, we recommend you always check the NAFDAC number carefully.
How To Check The NAFDAC Number Online?
Here are several effective ways to check the authenticity of a NAFDAC number and verify that the products you purchase are legitimate:
Method 1. NAFDAC Green Book
The NAFDAC Green Book is a valuable resource that lists all approved products in Nigeria. It’s a reliable tool for verifying whether a product has been registered with NAFDAC.
You can find the Green Book on the official NAFDAC website. Look for the section dedicated to the Green Book, where you can either download a PDF or view it online.
Once you access the Green Book, use the search function to look up the product by its name, the active ingredient, or the manufacturer’s name. This will help you confirm whether the product is registered with NAFDAC.
Each entry in the Green Book provides details about the product, including its name and manufacturer. If your product appears in this list, it means that NAFDAC has approved it for safety and efficacy.
By using the Green Book, you can protect yourself from counterfeit or unsafe products. It’s a trustworthy resource to ensure that the medicine or food you are considering is not fake.
Method 2. Mobile Authentication Service (MAS)
The Mobile Authentication Service (MAS) is an easy way to check the authenticity of medicines, particularly anti-malaria and antibiotic drugs, using a unique scratch code found on their packaging.
Look for the silver scratch-off panel on the product’s packaging. Carefully scratch off this panel to reveal the unique code. Send this code via SMS to the number 38353.
Be sure to enter the code exactly as it appears on the packaging, without any spaces or changes. After sending the SMS, you will receive a message confirming whether the product is authentic. If it is genuine, the SMS will include details about the product, such as its name and manufacturer.
Method 3. Barcode Scanning
Many products have barcodes that can also be used to verify their authenticity. With a barcode scanner app, you can quickly check whether the product is registered with NAFDAC.
There are many free barcode-scanning apps available for both Android and iOS. Install one of these apps on your smartphone. Use the app to scan the barcode found on the product’s packaging.
Make sure your camera is focused, so the barcode is read clearly. After scanning the barcode, the app will provide details about the product, including it is registered with NAFDAC.
Some apps link directly to databases that show the product’s authenticity status. This method offers a convenient and fast way to verify products while shopping, confirming that the items you purchase are safe.
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Common Signs Of Fake NAFDAC Products
Here are some common signs of counterfeit products that you should watch for to confirm you’re buying genuine items:
Missing NAFDAC Registration Number
One of the first things to check is the NAFDAC registration number. Every legitimate product should display a NAFDAC registration number (NRN) on its packaging.
This number confirms that the product has been approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
If you can’t find this number or if it looks altered or incomplete, the product may be fake. Always double-check this detail before making a purchase.
Unusual Pricing
Be cautious if a product is being sold at a price significantly lower than normal. For example, if you see a popular medicine or food item priced much lower than what you typically pay, it could be counterfeit.
Low pricing could be a sign that the product is not genuine. So, always compare prices with trusted retailers to avoid falling for deals that seem too good to be true.
Bad Smells Or Odd Colors
Genuine products should have consistent smells and colors. If a product has an unusual odor or looks different from what you expect, it could be fake.
Let’s take for instance, if a medicine smells like chemicals or paint thinner, or if it has strange colors, avoid it at all costs.
Lack Of Manufacturer Information
Authentic products will always include clear information about the manufacturer, including their name and contact details. If this information is missing, vague, or incomplete, it’s a red flag that the product may not be genuine.
