NAFDAC Orders Recall Of Popular Dove Beauty Bar Soap In Nigeria

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has mandated the recall of Dove Beauty Cream Bar Soap.

A statement released on its X account indicated that the recall was necessitated after detecting a chemical impurity.

NAFDAC noted that the product identified by batch number 81832M 08, which was manufactured in Germany, contravenes the Cosmetic Products Regulation due to Butylphenyl Methylpropional, commonly referred to as Lilial, a substance associated with significant health hazards.

The agency clarified that BMHCA has been prohibited in cosmetic formulations because of its potential to adversely affect the reproductive system and pose risks to the health of unborn children.

Furthermore, it highlighted that this chemical has been associated with skin sensitization, which may lead to allergic reactions in certain individuals.

The 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.”

Naija News reports that several Dove cosmetic products have been recalled or banned in various countries due to the presence of BMHCA.

These products 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 indicated that these soaps are not listed in its database.

The agency has advised the public to exercise caution and remain vigilant throughout the supply chain to prevent these products’ importation, distribution, sale, and use.

It said, “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 also urged health experts to report adverse events experienced with regulated products to its nearest office.

“Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged 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 for download on android and IOS stores,” the agency noted.