The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a recall for Dove Beauty Cream Bar Soap (100g), batch number 81832M 08, produced in Germany, due to the detection of a harmful chemical impurity.
The agency made this announcement after assessing that the product violates the Cosmetic Products Regulation by containing Butylphenyl Methylpropional (BMHCA), also known as Lilial.
Lilial is a chemical that has been linked to health risks such as reproductive harm and potential adverse effects on unborn children.
In a public statement released on Monday, NAFDAC emphasized the dangers associated with BMHCA, which has been banned in cosmetics due to its potential to cause reproductive issues and skin sensitization, leading to allergic reactions in some users.
The agency noted that several regulatory authorities in the European Union have already prohibited the marketing of products containing this substance.
NAFDAC's alert also mentioned other Dove products that have faced similar recalls or bans in various countries due to the presence of BMHCA. These include a range of items such as Derma Spa Goodness, Men Care, and various body lotions and sprays.
Furthermore, NAFDAC has reiterated that the importation of soaps is prohibited in Nigeria, as per the country's restricted import list.
The agency warned that these products are not listed in its database and urged importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers to exercise caution within the supply chain to prevent the importation, distribution, sale, and use of the recalled products.
NAFDAC also called on healthcare professionals and consumers to report any adverse events related to the use of regulated products through its established reporting channels, including email and the Med-Safety application available on both Android and iOS platforms.