NAFDAC Warns Nigerians About Fake Condoms in Circulation

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning to Nigerians about the illegal sale and distribution of a counterfeit brand of condoms known as Foula Condoms, urging the public to be vigilant to protect their health and safety.

On Thursday, NAFDAC revealed that its Post-Marketing Surveillance team uncovered the unregistered Foula Condoms, packaged in sets of three, in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, and Zango, Katsina State. The agency explained that this discovery occurred during a routine Risk-Based Post-Marketing Surveillance study, which inspects registered condom brands in Nigeria.

NAFDAC emphasized that the Foula brand of condoms is not registered or approved for use in Nigeria. “The condom is not registered by NAFDAC for use in Nigeria, and the labelling of the product is not in the English Language,” the agency stated, highlighting the importance of safety and clarity in product labeling.

The agency further stressed the risks associated with unregistered and substandard condoms. “Condoms are a proven effective barrier method that can be used as a dual-purpose method for both prevention of unintended pregnancy and protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. To be most effective, any barrier method used for contraception or preventing infection must be used correctly,” NAFDAC explained.

NAFDAC warned that unregistered condoms like Foula could compromise safety, quality, and efficacy. Poor-quality condoms, it noted, can lead to significant health risks. “The purchase and use of poor-quality condoms will adversely affect every aspect of condom promotion for the prevention of unintended pregnancy and protection against HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections. If condoms leak or break, they cannot offer adequate protection,” the agency cautioned.

The agency has instructed all zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and remove the unregistered condoms from distribution channels. NAFDAC also advised importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and consumers to be cautious within the supply chain, reminding them to only purchase medical devices from authorized suppliers and check the authenticity and condition of products.

NAFDAC encouraged healthcare professionals and consumers to report any suspicious or potentially substandard products to the agency. “All medical products/medical devices must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked. Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of the sale of substandard and falsified medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322, or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.”

NAFDAC also reminded the public that adverse effects related to the use of any medicinal products or devices can be reported to the nearest NAFDAC office or through various e-reporting platforms, including the NAFDAC website and the Med-Safety app.