In a recent alert, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has flagged the sale of unregistered Foula condoms, discovered in parts of Ebonyi and Katsina states. NAFDAC officials reported finding these unregistered condoms, which are packaged in threes, in Abakaliki (Ebonyi) and Zango (Katsina), as shared by the agency on Thursday.
The agency expressed concerns over the fact that Foula condoms are not registered for use in Nigeria, and the product packaging does not have labeling in English, raising questions about their origin and safety standards.
Emphasizing the role of high-quality condoms, NAFDAC explained, “Condoms are an effective way to prevent unintended pregnancies and protect against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, for maximum protection, these products need to be reliable and used correctly.”
NAFDAC warned that substandard condoms, like the unregistered Foula condoms, could lead to increased risks, as poor-quality condoms may tear or leak, compromising protection and safety. Such issues could potentially harm public health efforts focused on preventing unintended pregnancies and the spread of HIV and STIs.
In response to this issue, NAFDAC has ordered all regional and state representatives to locate and remove the unregistered products from the market.
The agency advises consumers to buy medical products and devices only from licensed vendors and to verify the authenticity and condition of these items before use. NAFDAC also encouraged healthcare providers and consumers to report any concerns about potentially unsafe products to NAFDAC by calling 0800-162-3322 or emailing at sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng. Additionally, adverse reactions can be reported through NAFDAC’s website or the Med-safety app.
