[ICYMI] NAFDAC recalls Dove beauty cream bar soap over harmful chemical

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has issued a recall for Dove Beauty Cream Bar Soap (100g) with batch number 81832M 08, which was produced in Germany.

This action comes in response to the discovery of a hazardous chemical impurity within the soap.

NAFDAC explained that the soap does not meet the standards set by the Cosmetic Products Regulation because it contains Butylphenyl Methylpropional commonly known as Lilial.

BMHCA is a chemical associated with serious health risks, including reproductive harm and potential adverse effects on unborn children.

In a statement released on its website on Monday, NAFDAC explained that BMHCA has been banned in cosmetic products across Europe due to its risks.

The chemical is known to cause skin sensitization, which can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals.

The agency’s statement read, “The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is alerting the public about the recall of Dove Beauty Cream Bar Soap (100g) with batch number 81832M 08, produced in Germany, due to chemical impurity. The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation, as it contains Butylphenyl Methylpropional (BMHCA), which is prohibited due to its risks of reproductive harm, danger to unborn children, and potential for causing skin sensitization. Several regulatory authorities in the EU have already banned its marketing.”

The recall extends to other Dove products that have been banned or recalled in various countries due to the presence of BMHCA.

These include Derma Spa Goodness, Men Care, Men Care+ Sensitive Shield, Natural Touch, Nourishing Body Care Light Hydro, Pampering Body Lotion, Go Fresh, Talco con Crema, Go Fresh Pera, Extra Fresh, Goodness3 Skincare Ritual, Invisible Dry Antiperspirant Spray, Go Fresh Revitalize Nourishing Shower Gel, Caring Hand Wash, and Invisible Dry.

NAFDAC has confirmed that these products are not listed in its database.

The agency has urged the public to exercise caution and remain vigilant within the supply chain to prevent the importation, distribution, sale, and use of these items.

The statement continued, “Importation of soaps is prohibited in Nigeria as per the restricted and import prohibition list. Beyond the import restrictions, soaps and cosmetics are parts of the items ineligible for foreign exchange to import into Nigeria. These products are also not available in the NAFDAC database. Importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of the above-mentioned products. Members of the public in possession of the product should discontinue the sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.”

NAFDAC has also called on health professionals and consumers to report any adverse events related to the use of regulated products. Reports can be made to the nearest NAFDAC office, via email at pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng, through E-reporting platforms available on www.nafdac.gov.ng, or via the Med-Safety application, which can be downloaded from Android and iOS stores.

“Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report adverse events experienced with the use of regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office, via pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng, E-reporting platforms available at www.nafdac.gov.ng or via the Med-safety application for download on android and IOS stores,” the statement added.