In reference to the safety alert issued by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Beiersdorf, the parent company of NIVEA, has clarify that the NIVEA Black & White Invisible Roll-On Deodorant with batch number 93529610 is not available for sale in Nigeria.
The organization released a statement on Saturday clarifying its unwavering commitment to product safety. The organization prioritizes adherence to the highest quality and safety standards.
On October 31, NAFDAC informed the public about the recall of this product, which was flagged by the European Union’s rapid alert system for dangerous non-food products (RAPEX) in Brussels.
The agency previously indicated that NIVEA products contain 2-(4-tert-Butylbenzyl propionaldehyde (BMHCA), a chemical banned in cosmetics due to its potential to harm reproductive health, affect unborn children, and cause skin irritation or burns.
NAFDAC emphasized that BMHCA is prohibited in cosmetic items because of its risks, including skin irritation and adverse effects on reproductive health.
The product, manufactured in Germany, is labeled with ‘48H protection in African climate’, and carries batch number 93529610 and bar code number 42299882.
Regarding product safety and compliance, the company noted that, in accordance with current European regulations, the use of 2-(4-tert-Butylbenzyl propionaldehyde (LilialTM) in cosmetic products has been banned in European markets since 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,” Beiersdorf’s statement reads.
Beiersdorf has reiterated its dedication to consumer safety, stating, "As a responsible corporate entity, Beiersdorf is collaborating with NAFDAC to protect the interests of Nigerian consumers by ensuring that our locally produced products adhere to global quality standards."
"The safety of our consumers is our utmost priority, in line with our ethical business philosophy."
Proactive reformulation initiatives
In compliance with EU regulations, Beiersdorf announced that it has reformulated its entire NIVEA product line to eliminate Lilial prior to the March 2022 ban. For example, the NIVEA Black & White Invisible Roll-On Deodorant has been free of Lilial since at least 2020, including in Nigeria.
Beiersdorf has informed its trade partners in advance, encouraging them to withdraw any outdated products containing Lilial within the legally mandated timeframe as stipulated by the European Cosmetic Product Regulation.