The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) has warned against the use of Nivea Black and White invisible body deodorant.
The agency, in a statement issued Thursday, said European authorities had recalled the product because it allegedly contains harmful chemicals that are banned for use in cosmetic products.
The hazardous chemical is called 2-(4-tert-butylbenzylpropionaldehyde (BMHCA) according to NAFDAC.
Nivea Black & White invisible roll-on deodorant is produced by Beiersdorf AG, a German multinational company known for personal care products, based in Hamburg, Germany.
This roll-on is part of the Nivea Black & White Invisible series, which is specifically designed to address concerns related to deodorant stains on clothing.
The series is marketed as a “stain-free” line of deodorants, suitable for all-day protection without worrying about white marks on dark clothing or yellow stains on light ones.
According to NAFDAC, the product is marked by the European Union's Rapid Alert System for Dangerous Non-Food Products (RAPEX) in Brussels.
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banned chemical
NAFDAC said the chemical, BMHCA, is banned in cosmetic products because it could cause skin irritation and also affect the reproductive health of its users or the fetus.
“The recalled Nivea product is said to contain 2-(4-tert-butylbenzylpropionaldehyde (BMHCA), a chemical substance banned in cosmetic products due to its ability to cause damage to the reproductive system, harm the health of the fetus and also as skin irritation and burns to users,” the statement reads.
The agency advises interested parties within the supply chain to exercise increased caution and vigilance to prevent the importation, distribution, sale and use of the identified lot.
Caution
The agency said the public who currently possess this affected product are urged to immediately cease its sale or use. Those with stock are requested to submit them to the nearest NAFDAC office for further examination.
“Importers, distributors, retailers and consumers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to prevent the importation, distribution, sale and use of the aforementioned Nivea Roll-on with the affected batch. Members of the public in possession of the affected batch of product should discontinue sale or use and send the stock to the nearest NAFDAC office,” it said.
The agency also asks healthcare professionals and consumers to report any adverse events associated with the use of regulated products, including the affected lot of Nivea Roll-on.
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“Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report adverse events experienced with the use of regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office via pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng. Electronic reporting platforms are available,” it said. the agency.
NAFDAC emphasized the importance of public awareness in maintaining health and safety standards and committed to ensuring that prompt action is taken in cases of product safety issues.