By Nkechi Eze
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued Public Alert No. 021/2026, warning Nigerians and the general public about the recall of certain batches of Zetol Antiseptic Products in Islamabad, Pakistan, following serious quality and regulatory concerns.
The agency said the alert followed a rapid notification issued by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), which revealed that the product known as Zetol (Chloroxylenol) Germ Protection Liquid is being marketed and sold in Pakistan without prior evaluation, registration, or approval from the regulatory authority.
According to DRAP, the antiseptic product is completely unregistered and therefore illegal in the Pakistani market.
Zetol Antiseptic contains the active ingredient Chloroxylenol, a commonly used antiseptic agent, and is promoted with claims of infection prevention and germ protection. However, regulatory authorities warned that because the product lacks the necessary authorisation, its safety, quality, and efficacy cannot be guaranteed.
A major concern raised by DRAP and echoed by NAFDAC is that the packaging of Zetol closely resembles that of the well-known antiseptic brand Dettol. Authorities warned that the similarity could easily mislead consumers into believing it is a genuine or approved product, thereby increasing the risk of inappropriate use of an unregulated and potentially substandard item.
NAFDAC emphasised that the use of the unregistered antiseptic product may pose a potential risk to public health. Although the recall is currently focused on batches circulating in Islamabad, Pakistan, the agency said it is proactively alerting the Nigerian public as a precautionary measure, especially considering the possibility of cross-border trade or importation of such products.
Healthcare professionals, pharmacists, distributors and consumers have therefore been advised to remain vigilant. Anyone who encounters Zetol Antiseptic Products in the market is strongly advised not to purchase, use, or distribute them.
NAFDAC urged members of the public to report any suspected sale or distribution of the product, or any other substandard and falsified medicines, medical devices, or NAFDAC-regulated products.
Reports can be made through the following channels: visiting the nearest NAFDAC office, calling the dedicated hotline 0800-162-3322, or sending an email to sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
The agency reiterated its commitment to protecting public health by swiftly disseminating safety information on defective or unregistered products, whether locally manufactured or imported.
NAFDAC noted that the alert also serves as a reminder for consumers to always check for NAFDAC registration numbers on antiseptic liquids, disinfectants, and other regulated health products before purchase, stressing that buying only NAFDAC-registered products remains the safest way to safeguard personal and family health.
For the full official alert, the public can visit the NAFDAC website at: https://nafdac.gov.ng/public-alert-no-021-2026-alert-on-the-recall-of-zetol-antiseptic-product-in-pakistan/.
