The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians to safety concerns surrounding some Impala brand gel nail polish products after a harmful chemical substance was discovered in their formulation.
The agency warned consumers to stop using the affected products immediately, saying the substance identified in the products could pose serious health risks, including allergic reactions, fertility-related problems and a possible risk of cancer.
NAFDAC made the disclosure in a public alert issued after receiving a notification from Brazil’s health regulatory authority, Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA), regarding the recall of specific Impala gel nail polish products manufactured by Laboratório Avamiller de Cosméticos Ltd.
According to the agency, the Brazilian regulator ordered the withdrawal of the products from the market after laboratory findings revealed the presence of Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide, commonly known as TPO.
NAFDAC explained that TPO is prohibited for use in cosmetics, personal hygiene products and perfumes in Brazil because of the health concerns associated with the chemical.
The agency said the discovery of the substance in the affected products prompted immediate action by Brazilian authorities.
“As a result, ANVISA has ordered the withdrawal of all affected batches from the Brazilian market,” NAFDAC stated.
The agency identified the products affected by the recall as Impala nail polish products produced by Laboratório Avamiller de Cosméticos Ltda.
The affected products include:
• Plus, Gel Esmalte Impala Gel
• Esmalte Gel Impala Gel Plus
• Gel Plus Impala Esmalte Gel
• Esmalte Gel Plus Impala
• Topcoat Gel Impala Gel Plus Clear
NAFDAC said that although the recall was initiated in Brazil, Nigerian authorities are paying close attention to the development to ensure that consumers in the country are protected.
According to the agency, officials are monitoring the local supply chain to determine whether any of the affected products have entered the Nigerian market.
It assured Nigerians that appropriate regulatory actions would be taken if the products are found in circulation within the country.
The agency advised consumers who currently have any of the affected Impala nail polish products to discontinue their use immediately.
It further urged members of the public to keep the products away safely and avoid giving them to other people for use.
NAFDAC also encouraged Nigerians who may have experienced unusual reactions after using the products to promptly report such incidents.
The agency advised affected persons to visit the nearest NAFDAC office or make use of its electronic reporting platforms available through its official website.
The warning highlights the growing importance of post-market surveillance and international cooperation among health regulators in protecting consumers from potentially harmful products.
In recent years, regulatory agencies across the world have strengthened efforts to monitor products already available in the market and quickly alert the public whenever safety concerns arise.
Cosmetic products, though often considered less risky than medicines, can still expose users to harmful chemicals if they fail to meet approved safety standards.
TPO is a chemical compound sometimes used in industrial applications as a photoinitiator, helping certain products harden when exposed to ultraviolet light. However, concerns have been raised in several jurisdictions about its safety in cosmetic formulations.
According to NAFDAC, the health risks linked to the substance include allergic reactions that may manifest as skin irritation, redness, itching and swelling.
The agency also warned that studies have associated the chemical with carcinogenic effects and fertility-related concerns, making its presence in cosmetic products unacceptable under applicable regulations.
The latest alert serves as another reminder for Nigerians to be cautious when purchasing beauty and personal care products.
Consumers are often advised to buy products from reputable outlets, check product labels carefully and pay attention to safety notices issued by regulatory agencies.
NAFDAC has repeatedly urged the public to avoid unregistered or suspicious products and to verify the authenticity of products whenever possible.
The agency has, over the years, intensified efforts to protect public health through product testing, market surveillance, border monitoring and public awareness campaigns.
Its activities cover medicines, foods, cosmetics, medical devices, packaged water, chemicals and other regulated products.
For many Nigerians, the beauty industry has become an important part of daily life and business, with salons and cosmetic stores operating in virtually every community.
As investigations continue, NAFDAC has reassured Nigerians that it remains committed to monitoring developments surrounding the recalled Impala products and taking necessary steps to safeguard public health.
For now, the agency’s message is clear: anyone in possession of the affected Impala gel nail polish products should stop using them immediately and report any adverse reactions without delay.