By 9jaeye 
In a bold move to prioritize consumer safety, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued an urgent recall for the popular Nivea BLACK & WHITE Invisible Roll-on deodorant. The agency’s decision follows alarming findings indicating the presence of Butylphenyl Methylpropional, also known as Lilial, in the product. This chemical, commonly associated with risks to reproductive health, raises serious concerns about its continued sale and use across Nigeria.
According to NAFDAC, Butylphenyl Methylpropional poses specific risks that can affect users’ health, especially with long-term exposure. Studies link it to reproductive toxicity, potentially harming reproductive health over time. Additionally, this chemical can irritate the skin, leading to potential allergic reactions in sensitive users. Thus, with these potential health hazards in mind, NAFDAC has taken the significant step of recalling the product to protect consumers from avoidable harm.
Extensive Recall Measures Across Nigeria
To ensure consumer safety at every level, NAFDAC is not only recalling the affected Nivea deodorant but is also enhancing surveillance efforts nationwide. Inspection teams have been deployed across all 36 Nigerian states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. NAFDAC has instructed retailers, distributors, and importers to check their inventories and remove any Nivea BLACK & WHITE Invisible Roll-on deodorants identified with batch number 93529610 and bar code 42299882. These targeted efforts underscore the agency’s proactive stance on preventing public exposure to potentially dangerous products.
Important Advice for Consumers and Retailers
For those who may already own this product, NAFDAC advises consumers to check the batch number and bar code on their deodorants immediately. Any consumers in possession of the affected batch should stop using it at once and are encouraged to return their deodorants to the nearest NAFDAC office. Meanwhile, to simplify reporting for those who may experience any adverse reactions, NAFDAC has provided a toll-free line (0800-1-623322) and recommends using the Med Safety App, available on Android and iOS, to report health issues linked to the deodorant.
NAFDAC’s Commitment to Public Health and Safety
NAFDAC’s swift action emphasizes its dedication to maintaining high standards of health and safety across Nigeria. The agency consistently works to keep Nigerian consumers safe from hazardous substances in everyday products, reaffirming its commitment to strict regulatory measures and international safety standards. As this recall unfolds, NAFDAC encourages Nigerians to stay informed and vigilant about the products they use, demonstrating that consumer protection remains a top priority.
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NIVEA Black & White Invisible Roll On Deodorant Batch No. 93529610 Not On Sale in Nigeria
We have been made aware of a safety alert notification issued by NAFDAC (National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control) in Nigeria issued on October 31, 2024, regarding NIVEA BLACK & WHITE Invisible Roll-on deodorant (50 ml) batch number 93529610, in relation to the general European Union (EU) Rapid Alert System for Dangerous Non-Food Products (RAPEX). The batch is said to contain 2-(4-tert-Butylbenzyl propionaldehyde (BMHCA).
Based on current European legislation, the use of ingredient 2-(4-tert-Butylbenzyl propionaldehyde (LilialTM) in cosmetic products has been banned from the European markets as of March 1, 2022.
We wish to assure our esteemed customers that the Batch No. 93529610 in question has not been marketed in Nigeria and thus never recalled by Beiersdorf, the owner of NIVEA brand, as the legal manufacturer. The batch in question, in fact, expired in January 2022 and was hence at the time fully compliant with the then valid European cosmetic regulation.
As a responsible corporate citizen, Beiersdorf is working collaboratively with NAFDAC to safeguard the interest of the Nigerian consumers by ensuring that our locally manufactured product meets the global quality standards.
The safety of our consumers remains our highest priority, consistent with our ethical philosophy as a business.
In pursuit of this commitment, Beiersdorf’s entire NIVEA product portfolio formulations have been reformulated to be Lilial-free formulas in full compliance with the EU Regulation on cosmetic products well ahead of its Lilial ban coming into effect as far back as March 1, 2022. For instance, the formulation of NIVEA BLACK & WHITE Invisible Roll-on deodorant has been Lilial-free since at least 2020 across the globe, including Nigeria.
Our trade partners were informed ahead of time and reminded of their responsibility to remove the outdated Lilial-containing products within the legal timeframe to fulfill their obligations with the European Cosmetic Product Regulation.
Signed:
Management