In an intriguing twist, manufacturers of Cocosamba herbal mixture, Bullion Go-Neat Global Limited, has announced that it is working in collaboration with the National Agency For Food And Drug Administration And Control (NAFDAC) to unravel those behind the counterfeiting of the product.
This is contained in a recent statement signed by the company’s Managing Director, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo.
The statement refuted insinuations by some online publications that the company was complicit and indifferent concerning the counterfeiting of the product, which is a premium brand on the Bullion stable.
Earlier on Tuesday, Oguntoyinbo led a deligation of the company’s executives to
the Commerce & Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN)’s secretariat in Ikeja, Lagos in a bid to provide clearer perspective to the counterfeiting issue.
Oguntoyinbo who decried the collosal losses incurred by the company following the smear campaign, however, was grateful to NAFDAC for taking up the matter.
He expressed confidence in NAFDAC’s ability to get to the root of the matter, noting that the company was equally using its channels towards unravelling those behind the campaign of calumny, while threatening legal action against anyone found culpable
He shared with the Industry journalists, acknowledged copies of letters sent to the relevant agencies including NAFDAC on the issue of faking of the product, dismissing outright, insinuations of the company’s involvement.
In one of the letters addressed to NAFDAC,, the company stated in part: “We are writing to address recent reports that have surfaced on some online news platforms concerning the counterfeiting of a prime brand on our stable.”
Oguntoyinbo said no company worth its name would sit by and watch its highly priced reputation won over the years on the sacrifices of diligence being tarnished by unscrupulous elements in the society.
“Contrary to the claims made in these reports, our company has been proactive by lodging a formal complaint earlier in 2022 with the Director of the Investigation & Enforcement Directorate at l(NAFDAC in Apapa, Lagos.
” This complaint specifically highlighted the counterfeiting of our product, Cocosamba Milk and Chocolate Flavored with Herbal Extract, which carries the legitimate NAFDAC registration number A8-9149L.
“It is imperative to clarify that prior to the registration of Cocosamba Milk and Chocolate Flavored with Herbal Extract, our company produced Cocosamba Bitters Alcoholic drinks with NAFDAC No A8-4418L.
“However, due to low market demand, the production of Cocosamba Bitters Alcoholic Drink was discontinued, and it has not been in production since the expiry date of the license”, Oguntoyinbo said.
According to the statement, Bullion Go-Neat Global Limited remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding best standards in manufacturing processes.
“We commend NAFDAC for its pivotal role in ensuring manufacturers comply with statutory laws related to standardization.
“During our recent end-of-year gathering, Oguntade Samuel Oluseyi, the General Manager of our company, emphasized this commitment.
” The Managing Director, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, and our entire management team have been shocked by the circulating news and want to assure our stakeholders that all necessary actions are being taken to promptly address this issue.
“Attached herewith is a copy of the letter previously submitted to NAFDAC, outlining our concerns and seeking their intervention.
“We encourage the public to await the outcome of the ongoing investigation and appreciate the continued support and understanding of our customers, importers, distributors, and healthcare providers.
In our commitment to resolving this matter, we are actively collaborating with the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate at NAFDAC to identify individuals responsible for counterfeit products.
“We pledge our commitment to reporting and taking legal action against anyone found guilty of this illegal offense”.
Meanwhile, Bullion Go-Neat Global has indicated willingness to collaborate and receive any information likely to help arrest the perpetrators of the counterfeiting as part of the effort to rid the society of unwholesome products.
Ambassador Oguntoyinbo in white standing with members of CICAN at NACCIMA Secretariat Ikeja, Lagos on Tuesday February, 20,2024.
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