The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians about the circulation of a counterfeit soap labeled “Dettol Health Fresh Soap” in the market.
In a notice on its website on Thursday, NAFDAC stated that the manufacturer of Dettol products, Reckitt Benckiser Nigeria Limited, confirmed that no product exists under the name “Dettol Health Fresh Soap,” making it a counterfeit.
“The Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH) and manufacturer, Reckitt Benckiser Nigeria Limited, received a consumer complaint regarding the above-mentioned product, which reportedly caused skin irritation. Upon investigation, the MAH confirmed that they do not produce any item named ‘Dettol Health Fresh Soap.’ Dettol Antiseptic products are widely used in Nigeria for household disinfection and personal hygiene to prevent illnesses caused by germs,” the statement read.
NAFDAC noted that the complainant only provided the product name, “Dettol Health Fresh Soap,” without additional details.
The agency emphasized that the illegal sale of NAFDAC-regulated or counterfeit products poses significant health risks. These products, not meeting regulatory standards, cannot guarantee safety, quality, or effectiveness.
NAFDAC has directed all zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and remove the fake product from the market if found.
“Importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, caregivers, and consumers are urged to exercise caution and vigilance throughout the supply chain to prevent the importation, distribution, sale, and use of counterfeit products. All medical products should be sourced from authorized or licensed suppliers, and the authenticity and condition of the products should be thoroughly inspected.
“Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report any suspicion of substandard or falsified medicines or medical products to the nearest NAFDAC office, via phone at 0800-162-3322, or by email at sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
“In addition, any adverse reactions or side effects related to medicinal products or devices should be reported through NAFDAC’s E-reporting platforms on the agency’s website, www.nafdac.gov.ng, the Med-Safety app available for download on Android and iOS stores, or via email at pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.
“This alert will also be shared with the WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System,” the statement concluded.