'If it smells' - NAFDAC reveals how Nigerians can spot fake products easily

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has enlightened Nigerians on steps to verify the original products.

The agency has also unveiled a list of circulating adulterated wines and drinks that Nigerians should watch out for.

Some of the most adulterated products NAFDAC has identified include: Different kinds of wine from a wide variety of brands ranging from Seaman Schnapps, Henessy, Four Cousins, Carlo Rossi, Jenney, Chelsea London Dry Gin, Schnapp Dry Gin, McDowells, Black Labels, Gordons, Martell, Campari, Smirnoff Ice, Eva Non-Alcoholic Drink, Evra Non-Alcoholic Drink, Cartel, and others.

There is also date revalidation for expired products like Peak milk, Powdered milk, Ketchups, Yoghurt, Coca-Cola products, and packaging of fake and substandard products, which are later sold to unsuspecting members of the public for consumption.

How to identify adulterated products: Speaking on how Nigerians can identify fake products, Prof Moji Adeyeye, NAFDAC director-general, urged Nigerians to remain vigilant.

She also has tasked consumers to scrutinize branded drinks and read labels to distinguish them from counterfeits before consuming them.

Her words: “If a product is being sold well below its normal price, or doesn’t seem to include normal taxes on liquors, then it is probably fake.

"Check for poor quality packaging, spelling mistakes and unusually shaped bottles. "Look for the contact information and address of the manufacturer. If it is missing, the alcohol is fake.

“Inspect the seal on the bottle. If the seal is broken or damaged, then the contents might have been interfered with and are not safe to drink. Check for fake bar codes.

If you have an app on your mobile that scans bar codes, scan it and see if it’s listed as the correct product and beware of bad smells! If it smells like paint strsipper or nail polish remover, then it probably is!”

She also urged Nigerians to call NAFDAC to report using this link or send a free SMS on the products to 20543.