The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert regarding the sale of a counterfeit soap branded as “Dettol Health Fresh Soap.” According to the agency, the manufacturer of authentic Dettol products, Reckitt Benckiser Nigeria Limited, has confirmed that no such product exists under its brand.
NAFDAC made this known on Thursday through a statement on its official website, revealing that the fake soap had been reported by a consumer who experienced skin irritation after using it. Following an investigation, Reckitt Benckiser confirmed that the product is fraudulent, as they do not produce any item by the name “Dettol Health Fresh Soap.”
“Dettol Antiseptic products are trusted for household disinfection and personal hygiene in Nigeria. However, the complaint we received about the fake soap raised concerns, as the complainant reported adverse skin reactions. The Marketing Authorisation Holder (MAH) has since confirmed that this product is counterfeit,” the statement read.
The agency highlighted that the lack of proper regulatory compliance from sellers of fake or substandard products poses a significant health risk to consumers. NAFDAC emphasized that the safety, quality, and efficacy of such counterfeit products are not guaranteed.
As part of its response, NAFDAC has directed its zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and confiscate any fake Dettol products found in the market. The agency urged importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and consumers to be vigilant and to ensure that all products are sourced from authorized suppliers.
NAFDAC also advised the public to report suspicious sales of counterfeit or substandard goods. Reports can be submitted through the following channels:
- NAFDAC Toll-Free Number: 0800-162-3322
- Email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng
- E-reporting platforms: Available on the NAFDAC website (www.nafdac.gov.ng) and through the Med-Safety App for Android and iOS devices.
- Email for reporting adverse reactions: pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng
This alert underscores the importance of vigilance in the supply chain to prevent the distribution of dangerous counterfeit products. NAFDAC remains committed to ensuring public safety and safeguarding the health of Nigerian consumers.
