Beiersdorf Nivea Consumer Products Nig. Ltd has taken steps to reassure its customers regarding the safety of its products following a recent alert issued by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). This comes in response to growing concerns among consumers after NAFDAC warned against the use of a specific product.
According to reports, NAFDAC had previously warned Nigerians against using the recently recalled Nivea Black & White Invisible Roll-on deodorant (50ml). This recall follows a similar alert from the European Union Rapid Alert System for Dangerous Non-Food Products, raising alarms about the product's safety standards.
In an official statement released on Thursday, NAFDAC identified the affected batch number as 93529610. The agency emphasized its concerns regarding the presence of a hazardous chemical, 2-(4-tert-Butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde, which has been banned in cosmetic products due to its potential health risks. These risks include reproductive harm, dangers to unborn children, and skin irritation or burns, prompting urgent action from regulatory bodies.[/p>
NAFDAC noted that the recalled product, which claims to offer 48-hour protection, is manufactured in Germany and carries the Bar Code Number 42299882. This specific information has been vital for consumers in identifying the potentially dangerous product on store shelves.
In a statement released on Saturday, a media consultant for NIVEA confirmed that the product with Batch No. 93529610 has not been marketed or sold in Nigeria. This clarification aims to alleviate any concerns from consumers regarding their safety and product usage.
The statement elaborated that the product in question had expired in January 2022 and was thus fully compliant with European cosmetic regulations at the time of its expiration. This detail is crucial in establishing that the product should not have been available for sale in the current market.
The statement read: “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.” The statement emphasizes the company's adherence to evolving safety regulations and commitment to consumer protection.
Furthermore, the company assured customers that Batch No. 93529610 in question has not been marketed in Nigeria and therefore has not been recalled by Beiersdorf, the owner of the 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 statement continued, highlighting the importance of collaboration with regulatory bodies to ensure consumer safety and product integrity.
The company emphasized, “The safety of our consumers remains our highest priority, consistent with our ethical philosophy as a business.” This commitment underscores NIVEA's dedication to maintaining high safety standards across its product range. In pursuit of this commitment, Beiersdorf has reformulated its entire NIVEA product portfolio to be free of Lilial, ensuring compliance with EU regulations well ahead of the ban that came into effect on March 1, 2022. For instance, the formulation of NIVEA BLACK & WHITE Invisible Roll-on deodorant has been Lilial-free since at least 2020 globally, including Nigeria, which speaks volumes about their proactive approach to product safety and consumer health.
“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,” the statement concluded, affirming the company's commitment to transparency and responsibility in its operations.[/p>