Nigerian Agency NAFDAC Raises Alarm On Banned Dove Soaps, Deodorant Due To Toxic Chemical | Sahara Reporters
NAFDAC emphasised that the importation of the soaps is prohibited in Nigeria, and the products are not available on the agency's database.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert regarding the ban of Dove Hand Soap and Dove Deodorant by European Union authorities due to contamination with a toxic chemical called Butylphenyl Methylpropional (BMHCA).
The EU ban is due to the products' non-compliance with the Cosmetic Products Regulation, as they contain BMHCA, which is prohibited in cosmetic products due to its risk of harming the reproductive system and causing skin sensitisation," NAFDAC said in a statement posted on its official X handle, on Saturday.
NAFDAC emphasised that the importation of the soaps is prohibited in Nigeria, and the products are not available on the agency's database.
Titled: "Public Alert No. 018/2025," the agency said: "NAFDAC is notifying the public that European Union Authorities have placed a ban on the marketing and sale of Dove Hand Soap (100g) and Dove Deodorant in Brussels, Belgium.
"The products do not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation as they are said to contain 2-(4-tert-butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde (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 sensitisation.
"The importation of soaps is prohibited in Nigeria as per the restricted and import prohibition list. Beyond the import restrictions, soaps and cosmetics are part of the items ineligible for foreign exchange to import in Nigeria.
"These products are also not available on 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."
NAFDAC, however, advised importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of the banned products.
"Members of the public in possession of the product are advised to discontinue sale or use and submit the stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.
"Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report adverse events experienced with the use of regulated products to NAFDAC via [email protected].
