The European Union’s (EU) Rapid Alert System for Dangerous Non-Food Products (RAPEX) has recalled Caro White Skin Lightening Beauty Lotion, according to a public notification issued by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
NAFDAC, in a statement, said the product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation (CPR) as it is said to contain a high concentration of Kojic Acid above the allowable maximum concentration of 1%, as concluded by the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS).
It added that the product’s high concentration of Kojic Acid is associated with potential endocrine-disrupting properties.
The statement added that the products affected are those produced under “Batch Number: LB2.1790.B and Barcode: 6181100538892.”
“Although the product is not in the NAFDAC database, importers, distributors, retailers and consumers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale and use of the above-mentioned product.
“The product’s authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked. Members of the public in possession of the product should discontinue sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.
“Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report adverse events experienced with the use of the product to the nearest NAFDAC office, via [email protected], e-reporting platforms available at www.nafdac.gov.ng or via the Med-Safety application for download on Android and iOS stores.”
It will be recalled that on July 7, 2023, following an analysis, five of the United Kingdom stores discovered that Caro White Intensive Care Lightening Beauty Cream, sold via eBay, posed a serious chemical risk to consumers.
The cream was found to contain 422 mg/kg (0.042% w/w) clobetasol propionate, a substance prohibited in cosmetic products; hydroquinone, another prohibited ingredient, was found in the product, which was not listed on the box.
The product also lacked proper labelling and markings; hazardous discovery prompted corrective action, leading eBay to promptly remove the listing from its online marketplace.