The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued an alert regarding the proliferation of harmful mercury-containing products, including Crusader soaps, creams, detergents, and cosmetics in the country, citing significant health risks, potentially causing damage to the skin, brain, kidneys, and the nervous system.
Speaking during a press briefing in Lagos State, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General of NAFDAC, stated, “Acting on intelligence, Investigation and Enforcement Directorate in August 2023 busted a warehouse in the trade fair market, which was filled with banned imported soaps.” She further revealed that the operation resulted in the confiscation of three trailer-loads of crusader medicated soap and mekako soap, totaling 4,000 cartons, with an estimated street value of approximately one billion Naira.
Prof. Adeyeye emphasised the deceptive nature of these products, stating, “It is to be noted that not one bar of the soap has been manufactured in Nigeria since the purported registration in 2013. The suspect claims to have just secured a contract manufacturing agreement with a local manufacturer but they are yet to commence production.”
Furthermore, laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of heavy metals, including mercury, in the crusader soap. Prof. Adeyeye pointed out that the soap’s labeling falsely claimed it was made in England, when in fact, its source was India.
She stated that this act constitutes a blatant violation of NAFDAC Acts and a contravention of the Agency’s regulations, including the Cosmetic Products (Prohibition of Bleaching Agents) Regulations 2019 and that the arrested suspects will be subject to legal charges, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
The agency issued a stern advisory to the general public, urging them not to purchase or use crusader soaps and other imported soaps and detergents, including those containing mercury. Consumers are also encouraged to report such products to NAFDAC offices located throughout the country.
Additionally, NAFDAC provided guidance on how to identify potential mercury-containing products, including the chemical symbol for mercury (Hg) or specific mercury compounds such as mercuric iodide, mercuric chloride, mercurous chloride, ammoniated mercury, calomel, mercurio; instructions to avoid contact with silver, gold, rubber, aluminum, and jewelry; cosmetics labeled in languages other than English without English interpretation and not registered by the agency.