THE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced the immediate recalling of Dove Beauty Cream Bar Soap (100g)  by European Union regulatory bodies following the discovery of a harmful chemical content in the product. 

The soap, produced in Germany and sold under batch number 81832M 08 and bar code 8000700000005 was found to contain Butylphenyl Methylpropional (BMHCA), a substance banned in cosmetics due to its potential health risks.

NAFDAC in a statement released September 9, said they had issued a public alert on August 30, 2024, warning that BMHCA, which is prohibited under the Cosmetic Products Regulation, poses serious risks, including reproductive harm and skin sensitisation. 

It noted that the authorities in the European Union have already taken action to ban the product.

“The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation as it is said to contain Butylphenyl Methylpropional (BMHCA) which is prohibited in cosmetic products due to its risk of harming the reproductive system, causing harm to the health of an unborn child and may cause skin sensitization. 

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

NAFDAC further urged distributors, retailers, and consumers to discontinue the sale and use of the product and submit any stock in their possession to the nearest NAFDAC office. 

The agency also cautioned against importing any soap products to Nigeria, noting that importation of soaps is prohibited in the country.

It further noted that the products are not available in the agency’s database.

“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,” the statement added.

NAFDAC, therefore called on healthcare professionals and the public to remain vigilant, asking them to report any adverse reactions linked to regulated products through its pharmacovigilance platform or the Med-safety app available for download.

Mustapha USMAN

Usman Mustapha is a solution journalist with International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: [email protected]. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M