The National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians against usage of Caro White, an Ivorian skin-lightening beauty lotion.
The warning was stated in a the public notification issued by NAFDAC on May 13, stating Caro White, an Ivorian skin-lightening beauty lotion has been to have contained high concentration of kojic acid, according to the European Union Rapid Alerts System.
The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is notifying the public of the recall of Caro White Skin Lightening Beauty Lotion by the European Union (EU) Rapid Alert System for Dangerous Non-Food Products (RAPEX).
The agency equally mentioned that the continual usage of the lotion puts users at risk of endocrine disruption from continual usage, warning commercial agents and consumers to be cautious and avoid importing, selling and distributing the product.
The notice reads: “The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation as it is said to contain high concentration of Kojic Acid above allowable maximum concentration of 1% as concluded by the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS).
“High concentration of Kojic Acid is associated with potential endocrine disrupting properties.
“Although the product is not in 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 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.
In July 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 422mg/kg (0.042% w/w) clobetasol propionate, a substance prohibited in cosmetic products.
The product was comprised of a card box containing a tube of orange cream. The box was marked with the following details: Caro white, Lightening Beauty Cream, With carrot oil, 30ml, Dream Cosmetics, 23 BP 4757, Abidjan 23, CI. The tube also bore the same markings.
“Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report adverse events experienced with the use of the product to the nearest NAFDAC office, via pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng, E-reporting platforms available at www.nafdac.gov.ng or via the Med- safety application for download on android and IOS stores.”
