The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has ordered the retrieval of Dove Beauty Cream Bar Soap (100g) with batch number 81832M 08, produced in Germany, due to the presence of a chemical impurity.

NAFDAC said the product violates the Cosmetic Products Regulation by containing Butylphenyl Methylpropional(BMHCA), also known as Lilial, a chemical associated with serious health risks.

In a statement on its website on Monday, the agency explained that BMHCA has been banned in cosmetic products because it can harm the reproductive system and potentially affect the health of unborn children.

It added that the chemical has been linked to skin sensitivity which can trigger allergic reactions in some users.

Other Dove cosmetic products retrieved /banned in other countries due to the presence of BMHCA are Derma Spa Goodness, Men Care, Men Care+ Sensitive Shield, Natural Touch, Nourishing Body Care Light Hydro, Pampering Body Lotion, Go Fresh, Talco con Crema, Go fresh Pera, Extra Fresh, Goodness3 Skincare Ritual, invisible dry antiperspirant spray + Go Fresh Revitalize nourishing shower gel, Caring hand wash and invisible dry.

The agency said the soaps are not on its database.

NAFDAC urged the public to be careful and vigilant within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale and use of the products.

It said, “Importation of soaps is prohibited in Nigeria as per the restricted and import prohibition list. Beyond the import restrictions soaps and cosmetics are parts of the items ineligible for foreign exchange to import in Nigeria.

“These products are also not available in the NAFDAC database. Importers, distributors, retailers and consumers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale and use of the above-mentioned products. Members of the public in possession of the product should discontinue the sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.”

NAFDAC also urged health experts to report adverse events experienced with the use of regulated products to its nearest office.

The statement added, “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, E-reporting platforms available at www.nafdac.gov.ng or via the Med-safety application for download on android and IOS stores.”