The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has ordered the recall of Dove Beauty Cream Bar Soap (100g) with batch number 81832M 08, produced in Germany, due to the presence of a chemical impurity.

NAFDAC said the product violates the Cosmetic Products Regulation by containing Butylphenyl Methylpropional, also known as Lilial, a chemical associated with serious health risks.

In a statement on its website on Monday, the agency explained that BMHCA has been banned in cosmetic products because it can harm the reproductive system and potentially affect the health of unborn children.

It added that the chemical has been linked to skin sensitisation, triggering allergic reactions in some users.

The statement read, “The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is alerting the public about the recall of Dove Beauty Cream Bar Soap (100g) with batch number 81832M 08, produced in Germany, due to chemical impurity.

“The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation, as it contains Butylphenyl Methylpropional (BMHCA), which is prohibited due to its risks of reproductive harm, danger to unborn children, and potential for causing skin sensitization. Several regulatory authorities in the EU have already banned its marketing.”

Other Dove cosmetic products recalled/banned in other countries due to the presence of BMHCA are Derma Spa Goodness, Men Care, Men Care+ Sensitive Shield, Natural Touch, Nourishing Body Care Light Hydro, Pampering Body Lotion, Go Fresh, Talco con Crema, Go fresh Pera, Extra Fresh, Goodness3 Skincare Ritual, invisible dry antiperspirant spray + Go Fresh Revitalize nourishing shower gel, Caring hand wash and invisible dry.

The agency said the soaps are not on its database.

NAFDAC urged the public to be cautious and vigilant within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale and use of the products.

It said, “Importation of soaps is prohibited in Nigeria as per the restricted and import prohibition list. Beyond the import restrictions soaps and cosmetics are parts of the items ineligible for foreign exchange to import in Nigeria.

“These products are also not available in the NAFDAC database. Importers, distributors, retailers and consumers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale and use of the above-mentioned products. Members of the public in possession of the product should discontinue the sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.”

NAFDAC also urged health experts to report adverse events experienced with the use of regulated products to its nearest office.

The statement added, “Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report adverse events experienced with the use of regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office, via pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng, E-reporting platforms available at www.nafdac.gov.ng or via the Med-safety application for download on android and IOS stores.”

Following recent DNA reports about paternity discrepancies, psychologists have linked paternity fraud, where children do not belong to their supposed fathers to medical errors, inaccuracies in genetic testing, and baby exchange, among others

The mental health experts noted that several variables could lead to a situation where a child’s paternity was questioned, beyond the common blame on infidelity.

According to them, factors such as negligence, ignorance, and genetic testing errors could also contribute to this phenomenon.

They spoke exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise amid growing concern about paternity fraud, with increasing reports revealing that many children have been falsely attributed to men who are not their biological fathers.

In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a disturbing trend of paternity fraud, where children are discovered not to belong to their supposed fathers.

This phenomenon has left many families in shock, with some marriages ending in divorce due to the discovery.

While infidelity is often linked to the primary cause of paternity fraud, psychologists, however, said there could be other factors at play.

Speaking with our correspondent, the experts said there was a need for couples to explore all options available before jumping to conclusions that the women cheated in the relationship.

While identifying the lack of pre-marital genetic testing as one of the factors that could be responsible, the mental health experts noted that prospective parents overlook the importance of comprehensive genetic screening, which could reveal potential issues before marriage.

They stressed that ignorance or negligence in this area might contribute to unexpected outcomes later in life.

A clinical psychologist at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Dr Juliet Ottoh stressed the importance of exploring multiple factors before jumping to conclusions about infidelity.

Ottoh noted that while infidelity is often presumed to be the primary cause of paternal discrepancies, other significant factors could play a role.

She said these include the negligence of medical staff, inaccuracies in genetic testing, and even hospital errors such as baby exchanges.

Ottoh emphasised the necessity of thorough investigation, including verifying the results of genetic tests through reputable labs before making any assumptions about paternal identity.

“It is not always entirely the couple’s fault. Sometimes, it might just be a result of test errors, ignorance, or negligence. We’ve heard stories of babies being exchanged in hospitals due to negligence, leading to paternity issues,” she stated.

She further said, “There are a lot of factors that may be responsible for this. And that is why you must explore extensively to look at out for what are some of these factors.

“Sometimes, it is not entirely the couple’s fault, it might just be as a result of test, ignorance. In recent times, how many people still go to do genetic tests before marriage? Also, some of these genetic tests are queried.

“So, it is not entirely to say that one person is responsible for all these. Sometimes it is negligence. We have heard stories of where a lot of babies were born in the same hospitals and out of negligence, some of the babies were exchanged and they became a problem for their parents.

“We cannot entirely say it is infidelity that is the cause of all these paternal fraud cases. Before you label a situation, you must take a lot of detailed history to understand where the problem is coming from.

“For me, I will say you just ensure you go to the right lab. As it is, you can even try to get a second opinion from another good lab to ascertain your genotype before you venture into marriage. If you have all of those sorted, then we can begin to query the other options. The most important thing you just get tested and confirm your genotype from a reputable lab.

“There are a lot of implications in marriages when these things come out. Partners need to be patient and understand what the problems truly are. If they understand that, they would be able to amend amicably.”

The psychologist stressed that genetic testing was crucial in such situations but advised couples to seek second opinions from reputable labs to confirm their genotypes before marriage.

Speaking on the implications of paternity fraud on marriages and children, the psychologist warned that it could lead to trust issues, mental health problems, and physical health consequences.

“The bedrock of every union should be trust. If you trust your partner, you don’t need to do a DNA test for such reasons,” she noted.

She urged couples to build trust and communicate openly to avoid the complexities of paternity fraud.

By doing so, she asserted, couples could avoid the emotional and psychological trauma often associated with these issues.

“For DNA to be done, the mental health of that child is messed up because there is a query that there was a trust issue. They have already created that gap and lacuna in the child’s life.

“All these trust issues begin to affect the child. If the result comes out that the child does not belong to the father, it is also a problem for the child because he would start asking who is his father. Even if you are the father, there is still going to be a gap.

“It is dicey, it is not something one is entirely open to. It is something people should think through before going to have DNA. Whether the result comes out that you are the father or not, there would still be a problem. So, it is important we thoroughly look at the situation.

“The bedrock of every union should be trust. If you trust your partner, you don’t need to do a DNA test. It affects physical and mental health. So, there must be trust; when trust is built in the relationship, it goes a long way,” she stated.

On his part, a psychologist at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr. Samuel Olatoye, said negligence, ignorance, and genetic testing errors could also contribute to paternity disputes.

Olatoye emphasised the importance of thorough genetic testing and counselling before marriage.

“Ensure you go to the right lab and consider getting a second opinion from another reputable lab to confirm your genotype. This will help prevent paternity disputes and ensure that couples are aware of their genetic compatibility,” he advised.

Recently, a leading DNA testing centre, Smart DNA released its 2024 report on DNA testing in Nigeria which revealed that nearly 27 per cent of paternity tests conducted by the centre returned negative.

The report indicated that more than one in four men tested were not the biological fathers of the children.

The report by the centre made available to PUNCH Healthwise also revealed that there had been a notable increase in DNA tests for immigration purposes.

The report also showed a significant geographical disparity in testing, with 73.1 per cent of all DNA tests conducted in Lagos.

Within the city, there was a clear divide between the Mainland and the Island, with Mainland tests comprising 67.5 per cent and Island tests 32.5 per cent.

On gender dynamics in test initiation, the report revealed that men requested 88.2 per cent of all tests, compared to 11.8 per cent by women.

Based on an ethical breakdown of paternity tests, the report added that the Yoruba group accounted for 53 per cent of the tests, while the Igbo made up 31.3 per cent, and the Hausa only 1.20 per cent.

The report also added that most tests were conducted on children aged zero to five years, reflecting a preference for early paternity confirmation.

According to the data, men aged 41 and older were the primary initiators of tests, suggesting concerns related to older paternal age.

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has announced that the tentative date for the commencement of Mpox vaccinations in Nigeria is October 8, 2024.

Remi Adeleke, the Head of the Public Relations Unit at NPHCDA, disclosed this information, stating that the vaccine deployment is scheduled to begin between October 3 and 6, 2024. This timeline aligns with the three to six weeks required for the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to complete regulatory procedures, including sampling, traceability, and laboratory analysis, following the vaccine’s arrival on August 27, 2024.

Given the limited supply of 9,980 doses of the Jynneos Mpox vaccine, the available doses will be distributed evenly across five states, with each state receiving 1,996 doses.

The total population targeted in these states is 4,750 individuals, who will each receive two doses of the vaccine, administered 28 days apart. The targeted groups include close contacts of Mpox cases, healthcare workers, and individuals with low immune status.

Adeleke further explained that two vaccination sites per state will be identified, focusing on fixed posts at infectious disease referral centers and deploying special teams to target communities where necessary.

The vaccination campaign will be limited to clients aged 18 and above, based on the current strategy. The NPHCDA is also coordinating with the Africa CDC to determine additional vaccine doses that may be available through planned donations.

Earlier this week, the United States government donated 10,000 doses of the Jynneos vaccine to Nigeria. This vaccine, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is designed to prevent both smallpox and Mpox in adults aged 18 and older who are at risk of infection. Mpox, a rare viral zoonotic disease, primarily affects remote villages in Central and West Africa and is caused by the Mpox virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the Poxviridae family.

In response to the ongoing public health threat, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention declared Mpox a public health emergency of continental security on August 13, 2024. Data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that Nigeria has recorded 48 confirmed cases of Mpox out of 868 suspected cases across 35 local government areas in 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Activist lawyer, Madubuachi Idam, on Thursday said Nigerian laws frown at a woman getting 50 percent of her husband’s properties during divorce.

Idam warned that women who push their husbands into court marriage with the intent of sharing his properties during divorce should know that such is alien to the Nigerian law.

The lawyer noted that the spouse would be made to provide evidence of contributing towards the acquisition of such a property.

According to Idam: “The law that awards 50% or any percentage of a man’s property to his wife during divorce is strange to the Nigerian soil.

“Women who push their man to have them married statutorily (court marriage) with an intention to share in their property during divorce should be informed that such law is alien to Nigeria.

“Statutory marriage (court marriage), does not aid a Nigerian woman to reap where she did not or has not sown, if it were so, divorce would have been the most lucrative thing after oil business for some GenZ’s who are not willing to be married but desperate to escape poverty.”

He, however, noted that in the event of death, the spouse is entitled to properties the deceased.

Idam added: “Except in the event of death where a surviving spouse is entitled to the properties of his or her deceased spouse acquired during the pendency of their ‘Statutory or Court Marriage’. Similar right is not available to the spouse during divorce.

“To be entitled to any portion of your spouse’s property during divorce, you must prove your contribution to the acquisition of such property in a concrete and substantial manner.

“Laws are territorial, what is obtainable in the UK is not automatically applicable in Nigeria except its legislated as a law in Nigeria.

“If one of your reasons for pushing your spouse to have you married statutorily is to enable you enjoy a certain percent of his wealth when you or he seeks divorce, you may need to rethink.”

Five persons have reportedly died and 60 others hospitalized from the outbreak of severe gastroenteritis in communities around Eti Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu and Kosofe local government areas of Lagos State.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, who disclosed this while reacting to the state surveillance reports, said the state government has issued a call for heightened vigilance and the adoption of precautionary measures to prevent the spread of a potential cholera outbreak in the state.

Abayomi further revealed that sadly, five deaths have been recorded mainly from patients presenting late with extreme dehydration.

“We have activated a statewide heightened surveillance and response. The Ministry of Health Directorate of Environmental Health and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) have been alerted to investigate a possible water contamination source in the Lekki Victoria Island axis. We suspect a possible cholera outbreak; however, samples have been taken for confirmation. As of April 28, 2024, Nigeria reported 815 suspected cholera cases and 14 deaths across 25 states,” he said.

The Commissioner noted that following recent rains, Lagos State has seen a notable increase in cases of severe vomiting and watery stools, adding that urban slums and crowded areas with poor sanitation are particularly at risk.

Abayomi explained that cholera is a highly contagious disease that causes severe diarrhoea and can be life-threatening, adding that it poses a significant health burden in areas with poor water treatment and sanitation, and could impact Lagos State.

“Cholera spreads through direct transmission by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, and indirect transmission due to poor sanitation and lack of hand washing. Symptoms of cholera include severe watery diarrhoea, vomiting, rapid dehydration, muscle cramps, fever and sometimes collapse,” he said.

According to him, treatment options for cholera include rehydration using Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) for mild to moderate dehydration.

He added that Intravenous Fluids could be adopted for severely dehydrated patients given only in medical facilities and supervised by medical personnel.

“To prevent cholera, citizens are urged to ensure safe drinking water by boiling, chlorinating, or using bottled water, and avoiding ice products made from untreated water. Maintaining proper sanitation by using toilets, safely disposing of faeces, and avoiding open defecation is crucial.

“Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands with soap and clean water regularly, especially before eating, preparing food, and after using the toilet, is essential and following food safety guidelines,” the Commissioner advised.

He enjoined citizens to rely on the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and accredited local health facilities for guidance, advice, and updates on prevention, treatment, and management.

The commissioner added that suspected cases can be reported via the following emergency hotlines: 08023169485, 08137412348, or by using helplines 767 or 112.

While emphasising the importance of maintaining high standards of hygiene and taking proactive measures to prevent cholera outbreaks, Professor Abayomi promised to keep the public informed and restated the commitment of the Government of Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu to ensuring the health and well-being of its citizens.

“We urge everyone to adopt these preventive measures and report any suspected cases promptly to safeguard our communities,” he stated.

For decades, West Africans have debated about who makes the best jollof rice. Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Cameroon, and The Gambia all claim to have the best jollof rice recipes.

So do Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, and Mali.

In 2023, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognised Senegal as the origin of this culinary delight.

It is believed to have originated from the Wolof people of Senegal.

According to the UN, the Senegalese version of jollof rice is an intangible treasure for the Senegalese people.

Despite this pronouncement, other countries in the West African region, particularly Nigeria and Ghana, continue to differ over who makes the best jollof rice dish.

What is jollof?

It is a one-pot dish made with rice, oil, tomatoes, tomato paste, onions and other spices.

These are just the basics, as there are many other ingredients used, depending on one’s native culture.

So, what’s the big deal about jollof rice? Well, it is more than just a meal for those who like it.

It represents solidarity, joy, and cultural heritage. It is usually served at weddings, birthday parties, and cultural festivals.

The meal is so significant that sharing it with people creates a sense of community, and enhances familial relationships.

The debate on the country with the best jollof dish always rages on social media and seems to remain unresolved. It most heated between Nigerians and Ghanaians.

”Ghana Jollof is undoubtedly the best Jollof in Africa. It is usually spiced with tomato sauce and local ‘Salmon’ fish,” Hafiz Tijani from Ghana says as he believes his country holds the top jollof title.

”The aroma alone before eating the food leaves one with an unforgettable imagination. Eating Jollof made in Ghana does not only kill hunger, it gives pleasure too,” Hafiz tells TRT Afrika.

Chef Racheal from Nigeria, however has a counter argument.

”The smokiness of Nigeria’s jollof is what makes our recipe unique. There is no other African country that prepares Jollof this way. Since our jollof recipe stands out from the crowd. This makes ours the best jollof dish on the continent.”

The meal is, however, believed to have originated among the Wolof people in Senegal and The Gambia.

They are the largest ethnic group in Senegal, and are concentrated in the country’s northern region near the Senegal River and the Gambia River.

During the early colonial period, the foreign rulers imported broken rice as part of their regular meals.

It is documented that the Senegalese preferred broken rice over whole grains. This led to the creation of Ceebu jën, a popular dish in the country.

The meal’s popularity later spread to other countries in the West African region.

Trade, migration, intermarriage, and cultural transfer are said to have played an important role in popularising the meal. And what is known today as jollof rice became a source of pride and cultural identity for the West African region.

Serving jollof rice to guests is viewed as a gesture of hospitality and generosity. Ghanaians cook their jollof rice using aromatic basmati rice, and often add protein such as chicken or beef to the meal.

Nigerians, on the other hand, prefer long-grain rice as the key ingredient also with palm oil, fish, chicken or beef. According to them, the crispier the rice, the better it tastes.

Cameroonians use beef while preparing their jollof meal, while the Senegalese add palm oil.

As most West Africans, Liberians also add pepper on their jollof food. The debate, which appears not to have a universally accepted agreement, continues to rage: who makes the best jollof?

By Susan Mwongeli & trtafrika.com