The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning to the public about a counterfeit soap labeled as “Dettol Health Fresh Soap” being sold in Nigerian markets.
According to a NAFDAC statement sighted by Diaspora Digital Media, the manufacturer of Dettol Antiseptic products, Reckitt Benckiser Nigeria Limited, confirmed that the soap is fake.
The Fake Product
NAFDAC received a consumer complaint regarding the fake soap, which allegedly caused skin irritation.
The complainant reported that the product had caused adverse reactions, prompting an investigation.
Upon verification, Reckitt Benckiser Nigeria Limited confirmed that they do not produce any product by the name “Dettol Health Fresh Soap.”
Risks Associated with Fake Products
The illegal marketing of fake or unregulated products poses significant health risks to consumers.
Since these products do not comply with regulatory provisions, their safety, quality, and efficacy cannot be guaranteed.
Fake products can contain harmful ingredients, be ineffective, or even cause life-threatening reactions.
NAFDAC’s Response
To address the issue, NAFDAC has directed its zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and remove the fake product from the market.
The agency urges importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, caregivers, and consumers to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain.
Precautions and Reporting
To protect themselves, consumers are advised to obtain medical products from authorized/licensed suppliers, carefully check products’ physical condition and packaging, verify product authenticity before purchase, and report suspicious activities to NAFDAC.
Healthcare professionals and consumers can report adverse events or side effects related to medicinal products or devices through NAFDAC’s office, 0800-162-3322 hotline, sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng email, E-reporting platforms on NAFDAC’s website (www.nafdac.gov.ng), Med-safety application (available on Android and iOS stores), or pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng email.
Fake products’ menace in Nigeria
The menace of fake products in Nigeria has reached alarming proportions, posing significant threats to the health, safety, and economic well-being of citizens.
Counterfeit goods, ranging from medicines and cosmetics to electronics and food products, flood the market, often with devastating consequences.
Fake medicines, for instance, have led to countless deaths and debilitating health complications, while substandard electronics have caused fires and electrocutions.
The economic implications are equally dire, with counterfeit products undermining legitimate businesses and draining the country’s revenue.
Despite efforts by regulatory agencies like NAFDAC, the scourge persists due to porous borders, corruption, and lax law enforcement.