NAFDAC bans sales, importation of Dove soap to Nigeria

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

NAFDAC, in a statement, said the soap is being recalled due to the presence of a harmful chemical impurity and that it does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation

According to NAFDAC, Dove Beauty soap reportedly contains Butylphenyl Methylpropional (BMHCA), a substance banned in cosmetic products by some regulatory authorities in the European Union (EU) due to potential risks to the reproductive system and unborn children and may cause skin sensitisation.

“As a result, a ban on the marketing of the product has been placed by some regulatory and public authorities, in the EU,” NAFDAC said.

The details of the product are as follows: Product Name: Dove Beauty Cream Bar Soap, Product Brand: Dove, Country of Manufacture: Germany, Bar Code Number: 8000700000005, Category: Cosmetic

Other Dove cosmetic products recalled/banned in other countries due to the presence of Butylphenyl Methylpropional are listed on NAFDAC website.

NAFDAC added that “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 in 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.”

It, however, urged healthcare professionals and consumers to report adverse events experienced with the use of regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office, via [email protected], e-reporting platforms available at www.nafdac.gov.ng or via the Med-Safety application.