Lagos, Nigeria – The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has released a public notification regarding the recall of Caro White Skin Lightening Beauty Lotion. This action follows an alert issued by the European Union (EU) Rapid Alert System for Dangerous Non-Food Products (RAPEX), which identified the product as non-compliant with the Cosmetic Products Regulation.
The primary concern raised by RAPEX is the high concentration of Kojic Acid in Caro White lotion, which exceeds the allowable maximum concentration of one percent. The EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) concluded that this high concentration poses potential endocrine-disrupting risks.
The Caro White Skin Lightening Beauty Lotion, widely sold in Nigeria, typically costs around N8000. However, it is important to note that the product is not listed in the NAFDAC database. Consequently, NAFDAC has urged importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers to exercise caution and vigilance regarding the product. The agency recommends careful authentication and physical assessment of the product before use.
NAFDAC has also advised healthcare professionals and consumers to promptly report any adverse events associated with the use of Caro White lotion. Reports can be submitted via email to pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng, through the E-reporting platforms on the NAFDAC website, or via the Med-safety application.
The concerns surrounding Caro White products are not limited to Nigeria. On July 7, 2023, an analysis in the United Kingdom revealed that Caro White Intensive Care Lightening Beauty Cream, sold on eBay, posed a serious chemical risk to consumers. The cream was found to contain 422mg/kg (0.042% w/w) of clobetasol propionate, a prohibited substance in cosmetic products, and hydroquinone, another banned ingredient, which was not listed on the packaging. Additionally, the product lacked proper labelling and markings, prompting eBay to remove the listing and advise consumers to discontinue use immediately.
The specific details of the recalled product include:
Type: Cosmetics – Skin Lightening Cream
Brand: Caro White
Barcode: 6181100531008
Country of Origin: Côte d’Ivoire
Product Description: The product consists of a card box containing a tube of orange cream. The box is marked with the details: Caro White, Lightening Beauty Cream, With carrot oil, 30ml, Dream Cosmetics, 23 BP 4757, Abidjan 23, CI. The tube bears the same markings.
As part of ongoing efforts to safeguard public health, NAFDAC continues to monitor and regulate the market to ensure compliance with safety standards. Consumers are encouraged to stay informed and report any suspicious or harmful products to the agency.
