In a bid to safeguard public health, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has flagged an unregistered brand of condoms, known as Foula, as a potential hazard after finding the product being sold illegally in Nigeria. The condoms, with labels in a non-English language, were discovered in the states of Ebonyi and Katsina, sparking concerns about the implications for sexual health and safety in the country.
NAFDAC’s Post-Marketing Surveillance (PMS) team uncovered the products, which are manufactured by China-based Guilin Zizhu Latex Co., Ltd. and traced back to distributors in Niamey, Niger.
In a statement published on it’s official website on Thursday, the agency warned that these unregulated products might compromise the effectiveness of contraceptive protection, which could lead to increased risks of unintended pregnancies and transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like HIV.
“Low-quality condoms that fail to meet regulatory standards pose significant public health risks,” NAFDAC stated, emphasizing that reliable contraceptive options are crucial. “A compromised product cannot ensure the necessary protection,” they added.
The agency has instructed its zonal and state coordinators to immediately withdraw Foula condoms from circulation and is urging the public to avoid unlicensed medical products. NAFDAC is reinforcing the importance of sourcing health products from licensed suppliers and encourages consumers to report any suspicious products.
For public assistance, NAFDAC has provided a helpline (0800-162-3322), an email (sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng), and an app, Med-safety, available on both Android and iOS, to report adverse effects.
