NAFDAC Flags Dove Products Over Risk to Reproductive Health, Unborn Children

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sounded a critical public health alarm, warning that certain Dove-branded soaps and deodorants may endanger reproductive health and pose severe risks to unborn children.

This disclosure came through NAFDAC’s Public Alert No. 018/2025, issued by its Investigation and Enforcement Directorate. The alert confirms that European Union authorities have already banned the sale and marketing of these products in Brussels, Belgium, after identifying 2-(4-tert-butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde (BMHCA)—a banned chemical with toxic implications.

Banned Ingredient, Dangerous Exposure

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According to the agency, the affected products violate the EU’s Cosmetic Products Regulation due to the presence of BMHCA, a substance “prohibited in cosmetic products due to its risk of harming the reproductive system, causing harm to the health of an unborn child, and may cause skin sensitization.”

NAFDAC emphasized that while these specific Dove variants are not registered for sale in Nigeria, “importation of soaps remains prohibited under the country’s restricted and import prohibition list.”

Unregistered, Unregulated, and Risky

The flagged products include four variants—three manufactured in Italy and one from the United Kingdom. None are officially registered in NAFDAC’s product database, and by policy, they are also ineligible for foreign exchange use in Nigeria.

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The agency warned:“NAFDAC is notifying the public that European Union Authorities have placed a ban on the marketing and sale of Dove Hand Soap (100g) and Dove Deodorant in Brussels, Belgium,”

“These products contain a chemical that could endanger reproductive health and unborn children.

NAFDAC Orders Recall, Urges Public to Report

NAFDAC has instructed importers, distributors, and retailers to immediately cease circulation of the listed products. Consumers are urged to discontinue use and submit any existing stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.

The public and healthcare professionals are further encouraged to report any adverse effects via:

• Email: pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng
• Online: E-reporting portal at www.nafdac.gov.ng
• Mobile: Med-safety app (Android & iOS)