NAFDAC Warns Public Over Dangerous Dove Soap, Deodorants Banned in Europe

By IDNN Health & Regulation Desk
Published: June 8, 2025

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued an urgent warning to Nigerians regarding specific Dove-brand soaps and deodorants recently banned by European Union (EU) authorities due to the presence of a hazardous chemical compound.

In its Public Alert No. 018/2025, NAFDAC disclosed that Dove Exfoliating Hand Soap (100g) and certain Dove deodorant variants have been banned in Brussels, Belgium, following confirmation that they contain 2-(4-tert-butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde (BMHCA)—a prohibited substance in cosmetic products under EU regulation.

According to the agency, the compound has been scientifically linked to reproductive system damage, harm to unborn children, and may also cause skin sensitization.

“The affected Dove products pose serious health risks and are not compliant with cosmetic product safety standards,” NAFDAC stated.

Imported and Unregistered Products Flooding Nigerian Markets

NAFDAC revealed that none of the flagged items are registered in its product database and that their importation is illegal under Nigeria’s prohibited and restricted import list.

Additionally, it reminded the public that soaps and cosmetics are on the list of items ineligible for foreign exchange by Nigerian importers—part of federal efforts to encourage local manufacturing and curb harmful product inflow.

The affected items include three variants produced in Italy and one from the UK, though their specific trade names were not listed.

NAFDAC called on:

Importers and distributors to halt sales immediately
Consumers to stop using the products and submit them to the nearest NAFDAC office
Healthcare providers and individuals to report adverse reactions via email, the MedSafety app, or the agency’s e-portal

Linked Product Recall: Juhel Folic Acid Also Deemed Substandard

In a related alert, NAFDAC also confirmed the recall of Juhel Folic Acid 5mg x1000 tablets (Batch No. 0531) after testing revealed the tablets contained suboptimal levels of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).

The manufacturer, Juhel Pharma Ltd., traced the cause to a malfunctioning weight adjuster on its tableting machine. NAFDAC stressed that substandard drugs pose severe risks such as treatment failure, poisoning, resistance, or even death.