The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised an alert regarding the recall of Nivea BLACK & WHITE Invisible Roll-on Deodorant, urging Nigerians to stop using it due to the presence of a harmful chemical.
In a statement issued on Thursday (Public Alert No. 041/2024), NAFDAC confirmed that the deodorant had been flagged by the European Union’s rapid alert system for dangerous non-food products (RAPEX) in Brussels.
The recall specifically affects Nivea BLACK & WHITE Invisible Roll-on Deodorant (50ml) marked with batch number 93529610 and bar code number 42299882, produced in Germany and labeled for “48H protection in African climate.”
NAFDAC explained that the deodorant contains 2-(4-tert-Butylbenzyl propionaldehyde (BMHCA), also known as Butylphenyl Methylpropional or Lilial, a synthetic fragrance compound banned in cosmetics by the EU. BMHCA is recognized as a “Substance of Very High Concern” due to its risks of reproductive harm, including potential negative effects on fertility and the health of an unborn child, as well as skin irritation and allergic reactions.
