The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a recall of Dove Beauty Cream Bar Soap (100g) with batch number 81832M 08, manufactured in Germany, due to the presence of a banned chemical impurity.
In a statement on its website, NAFDAC revealed that the soap contains Butylphenyl Methylpropional (BMHCA), also known as Lilial, which poses significant health risks.
According to NAFDAC, BMHCA, commonly used in perfumes, has been linked to reproductive harm, including risks to unborn children, and can cause skin sensitization, leading to allergic reactions. “The presence of Butylphenyl Methylpropional in the product violates the Cosmetic Products Regulation, as it poses serious health concerns. BMHCA is prohibited in cosmetic products due to its potential to cause reproductive harm and skin sensitization,” NAFDAC stated.
This particular batch of Dove soap, alongside other Dove cosmetic products such as Derma Spa Goodness and Men Care, has been recalled or banned in several countries, particularly across the European Union. NAFDAC emphasized that these products are not listed in its database and reiterated the prohibition on importing soaps into Nigeria.
“Importation of soaps is prohibited under the Nigerian import prohibition list, and these items are not available in the NAFDAC database. Importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers must remain vigilant to prevent the distribution of these banned products,” NAFDAC added.
Consumers who have already purchased the soap are advised to discontinue use immediately and submit any remaining stock to the nearest NAFDAC office. The agency also encouraged healthcare professionals and consumers to report any adverse reactions from using regulated products via its e-reporting platforms or the Med-Safety app.
This recall follows another recent incident involving the Caro White Intensive Care Lightening Beauty Cream sold on eBay, which was found to contain banned substances like clobetasol propionate and hydroquinone. Both recalls underscore the need for consumers to exercise caution when purchasing beauty products, especially those not listed in regulatory databases.
