The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it received safety information from the European Rapid Alert System for dangerous non-food products (RAPEX) that a cosmetic product, Placentyne Hair Lotion, has been banned.

The information is contained in a public alert signed by the agency’s director-general. The product is said to contain a mixture of preservatives, Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone (MCI and MI), which are forbidden in leave-on cosmetics.

The statement said that the product is sold in a 12 ampoules x 10ml cardboard box manufactured by an Italian company, Linea Italiana di Benazzi Anna & SAS, with a barcode No. 8029550000126.

“Both chemicals inhibit bacterial growth in cosmetic products on their own, but they are most commonly used as a mixture in products.

“NAFDAC implores importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare providers and consumers to immediately stop importation, distribution, sale and use of Placentyne Hair Lotion 12 ampoules x 10ml by Linea Italiana di Benazzi Anna & SAS.

“Members of the public in possession of the recalled lots of the product are implored to discontinue sale or use and hand over stock to the nearest NAFDAC office,” it said.

The statement also mandated healthcare professionals, consumers and patients to report adverse events related to the use of this product to the nearest NAFDAC office.

(NAN)