The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning regarding the presence of counterfeit soap labeled as “Dettol Health Fresh Soap” in Nigeria.
In an announcement posted on NAFDAC‘s website, the manufacturer of Dettol Antiseptic products confirmed that this soap is not genuine, as they do not produce any item by that name.
The statement detailed that the Marketing Authorisation Holder (Reckitt Benckiser Nigeria Limited) received a consumer complaint concerning this product, which allegedly caused skin irritation.
The manufacturer has verified that the soap is indeed fake, emphasizing that they do not have a product called “Dettol Health Fresh Soap.” Dettol Antiseptic products are widely used in Nigeria for disinfection and personal hygiene to combat bacterial infections.
NAFDAC noted that the complainant did not provide further details about the product besides its name.
The agency warned that the illegal sale of unregulated or counterfeit products poses a health risk, as such items do not meet safety, quality, and efficacy standards.
All NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been instructed to monitor and eliminate this counterfeit product from their areas.
Importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and consumers are urged to be vigilant in the supply chain to prevent the importation, distribution, sale, and use of this fake item. It is essential to procure all medical products from authorized suppliers and to verify their authenticity and condition.
Healthcare professionals and consumers should report any suspicions of substandard or counterfeit medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office, call NAFDAC at 0800-162-3322, or email sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
Additionally, both healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report any adverse effects or side effects related to medicinal products or devices to the nearest NAFDAC office, or through the E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website at www.nafdac.gov.ng, the Med-safety application on Android and iOS, or via email at pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.
