In response to reports circulating online regarding the falsification of Coco Samba Herbal Mixture, the manufacturers of the product, Bullion Go-Neat Global Ltd, has issued a comprehensive statement to address the allegations, saying the falsified products are not from its stable.
NAFDAC had on January 30, 2024 posted a statement notifying the public of the discovery of falsified Coco Samba Herbal Mixture 100ml in circulation following the seizure of a consignment in Germany. The analysis of the seized product sowed that they contained amounts of sildenafil above the maximum daily dose. Sildenafil is a medicine prescribed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
The NAFDAC statement disclosed that the products seized in Germany had a NAFDAC Registration Number A4-9149 different from that obtained from the NAFDAC database A8-4418L for the genuine product.
This was also confirmed by the Managing Director of Go-Neat Global, Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, who said that earlier in 2022, the company had lodged a formal complaint with the Director of the Investigation & Enforcement Directorate at NAFDAC in Apapa, Lagos, regarding the counterfeiting of their product, Cocosamba Milk and Chocolate Flavored with Herbal Extract, bearing NAFDAC registration number A8-9149L.
He said it is crucial to note that before the registration of Cocosamba Milk and Chocolate Flavored with Herbal Extract, the company had been producing Cocosamba Bitters Alcoholic drinks with NAFDAC No A8-4418L.
He said that, however, due to low market demand, the production of Cocosamba Bitters Alcoholic Drink was discontinued, and the product has not been in production since the expiry date of the license.
The product was seized by German customs and analysed by the German Official Medicines Control Laboratory (OMCL).
The analysis showed that the product contained amounts of sildenafil above the maximum daily dose. Sildenafil is a medicine prescribed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
“Bullion Go-Neat Global Limited, in response to the recent news, expressed its unwavering commitment to maintaining high standards in its manufacturing processes.
“The company commended NAFDAC for its role in ensuring that manufacturers comply with statutory laws related to standardization.
“The General Manager of the company, Oguntade Samuel Oluseyi highlighted this commitment during the company’s end-of-year gathering”, Ajadi said.
The Managing Director, Oguntoyinbo, said himself and the entire management team of Bullion Go-Neat Global Limited expressed shock at the circulating news and assured stakeholders that all necessary actions would be taken to address the issue promptly.
He said Bullion Go-Neat Global Ltd encourages the public to await the outcome of the ongoing investigation and appreciates the continued support and understanding of its customers, importers, distributors, and healthcare providers.
“The management and staff of the company have initiated efforts to identify individuals responsible for counterfeit products.
“They have pledged to collaborate with the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in reporting and taking action against anyone found guilty of this illegal offense,” he assured.
He said the company will be ready to provide further information or inquiries, when and where such is demanded.
