The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has disassociated itself from a viral list. The list claims to identify adulterated consumer products. It has circulated widely on social media. NAFDAC said the list did not originate from the agency. It warned citizens against unverified graphics.
NAFDAC has faced fake lists before. In 2023, a similar graphic circulated. It named several products as fake. NAFDAC denied issuing it. In 2024, another list targeted beverages. NAFDAC warned against panic. The agency has a regulated process for announcing unsafe products. It publishes alerts on its website and official channels. It does not release lists through anonymous WhatsApp messages. The pattern repeats because misinformation spreads faster than verification.
The current viral list names several products. It claims they are adulterated. It has been shared thousands of times. NAFDAC said it did not author the list. It urged Nigerians to verify information through official channels. It warned that false lists can damage legitimate businesses. They can also cause unnecessary panic. The agency said it would continue to monitor and test products. It will publish genuine alerts when necessary.
The list may have originated from a competitor. It may have been generated by AI. It may be old and recycled. NAFDAC has not identified the source. The agency has not announced arrests. It has asked the public to report suspicious graphics.
Misinformation about food and drugs is dangerous. It erodes trust. It hurts manufacturers. It confuses consumers. NAFDAC’s warning is necessary. It is not sufficient. The agency must also trace the source and prosecute.
Winners: NAFDAC, which protects its credibility. Legitimate manufacturers, who avoid false accusations. Consumers, who are warned against misinformation. Losers: The list’s creators, if identified. Competitors who spread fake lists. Consumers who panic. The public, which faces another layer of distrust. NAFDAC, whose authority is undermined by impostors.
Bottom Line: A fake list is circulating. NAFDAC disowns it. Nigerians should verify before sharing. Misinformation harms real businesses. It also harms public health. NAFDAC must trace the source. The public must be careful.