The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians to the unauthorized sale of an unregistered brand of condoms, identified as Foula Condoms, in parts of Nigeria. The condoms, packaged in packs of three, were discovered by NAFDAC’s Post-Marketing Surveillance Directorate during a routine inspection in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, and Zango, Katsina State.

This discovery was made as part of a risk-based postmarketing surveillance study on registered condom brands in Nigeria. NAFDAC noted that the Foula Condoms brand is unregistered and lacks English labeling, raising serious concerns about its quality and safety. The agency emphasized that condoms, when used correctly, serve as an effective barrier for preventing unintended pregnancies and protecting against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

NAFDAC warned that the use of unregistered condoms poses significant risks, as the quality and efficacy of such products are not verified. Poor-quality condoms may be prone to leaks or breakage, reducing their effectiveness and potentially compromising public health efforts related to contraception and STI prevention.

To address this, NAFDAC has directed all zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct thorough surveillance and remove unregistered products from the market. Importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare providers, and consumers are urged to ensure that all medical products, including condoms, are obtained from authorized sources. The agency advised individuals to check the authenticity and condition of products and report any suspicions regarding the sale of substandard medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office or contact the agency at 0800-162-3322 or via email at sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.

NAFDAC also encourages the public to report any adverse reactions or side effects associated with medicinal products or medical devices. Reports can be made through NAFDAC's e-reporting platforms, available on the agency’s website (www.nafdac.gov.ng), the Med-Safety app on Android and iOS, or by email at pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.

RELATED: NAFDAC Issues Warning to Nigerians on Recalled Nivea Deodorant

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has advised Nigerians to avoid using the Nivea Black & White Invisible Roll-on deodorant, 50 ml, from batch number 93529610. The warning follows a similar alert from the European Union Rapid Alert System for Dangerous Non-Food Products.

This particular Nivea deodorant is marketed as providing 48-hour protection suited for African climates. However, according to NAFDAC, the product contains 2-(4-tert-Butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde, a chemical banned in cosmetic products due to its potential health risks. This ingredient may harm the reproductive system, affect the health of unborn children, and cause skin irritation and burns.

Manufactured in Germany, the product is identified with Bar Code Number 42299882. NAFDAC has urged importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers to ensure vigilance within the supply chain to prevent the spread of the affected batch in Nigeria. Consumers possessing the product are advised to stop its use immediately and return it to the nearest NAFDAC office. NAFDAC also encourages healthcare professionals and consumers to report any adverse reactions experienced with this product.

Reports can be submitted to NAFDAC offices via email at pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng, through the online platforms at www.nafdac.gov.ng, or via the Med-Safety app, available for download on Android and iOS devices.