…Products contain banned substance linked to reproductive harm, skin sensitivity
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sounded an urgent public health alarm following the European Union’s ban on Dove Hand Soap and Dove Deodorant due to the presence of a harmful chemical compound.
In a public alert titled “Public Alert No. 018/2025”, NAFDAC disclosed that the affected products—Dove Hand Soap (100g) and Dove Deodorant—were banned in Brussels, Belgium, after they were found to contain 2-(4-tert-butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde (BMHCA), a chemical also known as Butylphenyl Methylpropional.
According to the agency, BMHCA is classified as toxic under the European Union’s Cosmetic Products Regulation because it poses serious health risks, including harm to the reproductive system, damage to unborn children, and skin sensitisation.
“The importation of soaps is prohibited in Nigeria under the restricted and import prohibition list,” NAFDAC stated. “Additionally, soaps and cosmetics are among the items ineligible for foreign exchange for importation into the country.”
The agency further clarified that these banned Dove products are not listed in NAFDAC’s database, emphasizing that they are unauthorized and potentially dangerous.
NAFDAC has called on importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers to exercise extreme caution and vigilance in the supply chain, and to immediately cease the importation, distribution, sale, or use of the affected products.
Members of the public who may already possess these items are strongly advised to stop usage immediately and to submit remaining stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.
Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report any adverse effects linked to the use of such products to NAFDAC through its pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng email or via its E-reporting platforms.
The agency’s decisive stance underscores its commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring only safe, approved products are available in the Nigerian market.
