NAFDAC Alerts Nigerians On Dettol Health Fresh Soap

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning regarding the sale of counterfeit soap labeled as “Dettol Health Fresh Soap” in the market.

In an alert posted on NAFDAC’s website on Thursday, the manufacturer of Dettol Antiseptic products confirmed that they do not produce any item by that name, deeming the soap to be fake.

“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.

The agency further stated that the complainant provided no details about the product beyond its name, “Dettol Health Fresh Soap.”

NAFDAC emphasized that the illegal marketing of unapproved or counterfeit products poses significant health risks, as they do not meet regulatory standards and their safety, quality, and efficacy cannot be assured.

In response, all NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been instructed to conduct surveillance and confiscate any fake products discovered in their respective areas.

“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: [email protected].

“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 [email protected]

“Furthermore, note that this notice will be uploaded to the WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System,” it concluded.