KEY POINTS
- NAFDAC recalls Dove Beauty Cream Bar Soap due to harmful chemical content.
- BMHCA, linked to reproductive harm, is banned in many regions.
- The public is urged to stop using the product and report any issues.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Nigeria has recalled Dove Beauty Cream Bar Soap (100g) because one of them contains a dangerous chemical.
The batch involved is 81832M 08 created in Germany. NAFDAC decided to intervene in the case, stating that the soap contains Butylphenyl Methylpropional (BMHCA), a substance that can cause severe health problems.
Why was the dove soap recalled?
NAFDAC alerted the Dove soap of cosmetic safety regulations because it has been found to contain BMHCA, Lilial. This chemical has been prohibited in many countries, including Europe, because of the risks it poses.
Research has demonstrated that BMHCA has an impact on the reproductive system and may harm unborn children. Furthermore, it can cause skin sensitization, an effect that can bring about allergic reactions among users.
In its public relations message, NAFDAC underscored the graveness of this matter, stating that the above-named soap does not meet the legal requirements. “The produce has a prohibited substance that has health effects, including reproductive disorders and skin reactions,” the agency said.
NAFDAC encouraged Nigerians to discontinue using the product and to return any remaining stock to NAFDAC’s nearest office.
Our records indicate that the recalled Dove soap brand is not even registered in Nigeria and this makes us speculate that it may have been illegitimately imported into the country.
Other affected dove products
This recall is not limited to the Dove Beauty Cream Bar Soap alone. NAFDAC also asserted that several other Dove products have also been withdrawn from circulation or banned in other countries for similar reasons.
Some of these are the Dove Derma Spa Goodness, Men Care, Go Fresh and other body lotions, hand washes and shower gels.
These products are prohibited in the European Union due to the risk that BMHCA poses, and NAFDAC reiterated that the importation of these soaps and cosmetics is prohibited in Nigeria.
The agency has encouraged importers, distributors, and retailers to be weary. They should make sure none of these products get into the market and end up being purchased by the consumers.
Public safety and reporting
NAFDAC encouraged the public to exercise patience and refrain from consuming or purchasing any of the affected products.
Those who already have these soaps are advised to cease their use and report any side effects encountered. Health care professionals are also encouraged to inform the agency about any adverse consequences resulting from regulated products. Necessary reports can be submitted through e-reporting or using special Med-safety app on Android and iOS.
The agency also informed the public that the importation of some soaps and cosmetics into the country is highly prohibited and that these Dove products should not be sold or distributed in the country.
