The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has issued a warning to Nigeria regarding the circulation of a counterfeit soap falsely labeled as “Dettol Health Fresh Soap” in the market.
As disclosed on NAFDAC’s website, the producer of Dettol Antiseptic products has verified that the soap in question is indeed fake, as there is no legitimate product under the name “Dettol Health Fresh Soap.”
“The Marketing Authorization Holder and manufacturer (Reckitt Benckiser Nigeria Limited) of Dettol Antiseptic products, received a consumer complaint regarding the above-mentioned product. The product was reported to have caused skin irritation to the complainant.
“The MAH has confirmed that the product is fake as they do not have any product by the name “Dettol Health Fresh Soap”. Dettol Antiseptic products are widely used in Nigeria for household disinfection and personal hygiene to prevent illnesses from germs (bacterial infection),” it said.
It added that details of the complaint product were not provided by the complainant except for the name of the product “Dettol Health Fresh Soap.”
The agency pointed out that the unauthorized promotion of NAFDAC-regulated items or counterfeit goods poses a health hazard to consumers since they do not adhere to regulatory standards, and therefore, the safety, quality, and effectiveness of these products cannot be assured.
As a response, all NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been instructed to conduct monitoring activities and remove any counterfeit products discovered within their respective zones and states.
“Importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, caregivers, and consumers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of the fake product. All medical products must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.
“Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of the sale of substandard and falsified medicines or medical products to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322 or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
“Similarly, healthcare professionals and patients are also encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of medicinal products or devices to the nearest NAFDAC office, or through the use of the E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website www.nafdac.gov.ng or via the Med- safety application available for download on android and IOS stores or via e-mail on pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng
“Furthermore, note that this notice will be uploaded to the WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System,” it summarized.
