The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert about the illegal sale and distribution of an unregistered condom brand, Foula, discovered in parts of Nigeria. According to NAFDAC, the product, packaged in sets of three, was found by Post-Marketing Surveillance officials in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, and Zango, Katsina State.

NAFDAC warned that the Foula brand has not been approved for use in Nigeria, with labeling in a non-English language, making it difficult for consumers to verify its quality. “The illegal distribution or sale of unregistered condoms poses a risk as the safety, quality, and efficacy of the products are not guaranteed,” NAFDAC noted. Poor-quality condoms can increase the risk of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) due to the likelihood of leaks or breakage, undermining condom safety programs.

To prevent further distribution, NAFDAC has directed all zonal directors and state coordinators to carry out surveillance and remove the product from supply chains. The agency advised importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and consumers to source medical products only from authorized suppliers and to thoroughly inspect products’ authenticity and condition.

NAFDAC also encouraged healthcare professionals and the public to report any suspected sale of unregistered or substandard products to the agency by contacting the nearest NAFDAC office, calling 0800-162-3322, or emailing sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng. Adverse effects linked to medical products or devices can also be reported through the NAFDAC website, Med-safety app, or by emailing pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.

This warning underscores NAFDAC’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding public health by ensuring that all medical devices, including condoms, meet strict safety standards.