The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning to Nigerians about a counterfeit soap product labelled “Dettol Health Fresh Soap” circulating in local markets.
The manufacturer of Dettol Antiseptic products has confirmed that the “Dettol Health Fresh Soap” is counterfeit, as it does not produce any product with that name, NAFDAC’s website alert revealed on Thursday.
It said: “The marketing authorisation 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).”
NAFDAC noted that the complainant only disclosed the name “Dettol Health Fresh Soap” without furnishing additional information about the suspected counterfeit product.
The agency warned that the unauthorized marketing of regulated products or counterfeit items poses significant health risks to consumers, as these products fail to meet regulatory standards, compromising their safety, quality, and effectiveness.
The directive instructed all NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and remove any counterfeit products discovered within their respective zones and states.
NAFDAC said: “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 theMed-Safety application available for download on Android and iOS stores, or via e-mail at pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.”
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