NAFDAC slams down ‘healthy smoking’ herbal tea claims

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has dismissed as “entirely false and unfounded” viral social media claims that it approved a herbal tea, marketed as Lung Detox Tea or Lungitox (Smokers Pride), said to promote smoking as healthy, stating that the product was never registered, approved, or endorsed by the agency.

“This claim is not only misleading but dangerous,” NAFDAC said in a statement on Monday. “We categorically state that no such approval was granted at any time.”

According to the agency, an application for an “anti-smoke and lung detox tea” was submitted to its Lagos office in 2023 but was swiftly rejected.

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The product failed to meet basic scientific standards, and the applicant did not provide required evidence of safety or efficacy.

NAFDAC said the promotional video circulating online wrongly suggests the product was certified by the agency, featuring banned imagery of organs and unverified health claims.

“The use of therapeutic claims for herbal products without scientific backing or clinical trials is strictly prohibited,” it said.

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The agency also rejected accusations of bribery contained in the video, describing them as defamatory. Its Legal Services Directorate is reviewing the matter and may take legal action.

Consumers are urged to disregard the video and report any suspicious products through NAFDAC’s official channels.

“NAFDAC remains firmly committed to protecting the health and safety of all Nigerians,” said Director General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye.

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