Nigeria – NAFDAC Warns Nigerians About Fake Dettol Soap In Circulation

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert regarding the circulation of a counterfeit soap labelled “Dettol Health Fresh Soap” making rounds in the country’s market.

In a statement released on Thursday via its official website, NAFDAC revealed that Reckitt Benckiser Nigeria Limited, the manufacturers of Dettol products, confirmed the soap as fake. The company stated that no product by the name “Dettol Health Fresh Soap” exists in its lineup.

The alert followed a consumer complaint that the fake soap cause skin irritation. Upon investigation, Reckitt Benckiser verified that the product was counterfeit and not part of their official Dettol antiseptic line.

Dettol products are widely used in Nigeria for disinfection and personal hygiene, making this development a serious concern.

NAFDAC stressed that fake and unregulated products pose significant risks to public health as their safety, quality, and efficacy cannot be guaranteed.

As a result, all NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to carry out surveillance operations to identify and remove the fake soap from the market.

The agency urged importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and consumers to remain vigilant and avoid the importation, sale, or use of counterfeit products. They emphasized that medical and hygiene products should only be purchased from authorized and licensed suppliers.

Consumers and healthcare professionals are encouraged to report any suspicious products or adverse reactions related to counterfeit items to the nearest NAFDAC office or through its official helplines and e-reporting platforms.

These include the toll-free number 0800-162-3322 and email addresses sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng and pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.

The agency said it remains committed to safeguarding public health by ensuring the circulation of safe and effective products across the country.