The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians to the sale and distribution of fake Kiss condoms in markets across the country.
NAFDAC disclosed that the information was received from MAH-DKT International Nigeria, a leading non-governmental organisation focused on contraceptive social marketing.
According to a statement released by NAFDAC, the organisation’s mission is to provide Nigerians with affordable and safe options for family planning and HIV/AIDS prevention.
The agency stated that fake Kiss condoms have been reported in Onitsha Market, Idumota Market, Trade Fair Market, and various markets in Kano, Abuja, Uyo, Gombe, and Enugu.
“Kiss Condom is a brand of male latex condoms designed for sexual protection, mainly to help prevent unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV, gonorrhea, and syphilis,” the statement noted.
The regulatory body outlined the differences between the original Kiss Condom packaging and the counterfeit products as follows:
Original DKT KISS
1. Box Pack
Front Side of the Box
There are instructions on the lower part of the pack
– Please read the instructions carefully.
– Single-use only if reused, there might be an increased risk of failure or infection.
Additional information on the lower part of the box pack.
– The device is a medical device.
– MDSS GmbH.
– Schiffgraben 41, 30175 Hannover Germany.
There is an image of a condom with the following statements written in English and French.
Natural coloured unscented straight-walled, teat-ended, natural rubber latex condoms with non-spermicidal lubricant. 52 mm nominal width.
Address – Plot 4, Block E, Isolo Industrial Layout, Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.
Storage and Caution Information included.
2. Condom Pack
– The colour of the pack is light red.
– Kiss is closely written on 6 lines.
3. Wallet – Outer
– Lighter red pack.
– Address is Oshodi-Apapa.
– Manufacturer address.
Description beside image of condom – Natural coloured, unscented, straight-walled, teat-ended, natural rubber latex condoms
Hidden Flap
– There is a date REV: 06/11/2023.
– This is a medical device.
– MDSS GmbH (address).
– Caution Information included.
– Wallet Inner.
– Detailed instructions.
– Detailed Important Notes.
– 8 bullet points.
4. Condom Size
– The condom is large.
– The condom has a large teat end for the collection of semen.
– The condom is oval-shaped.
– The condom is more lubricated.
Fake Kiss
1. Box Pack
Front Side of the Box
– There is no additional information on the side of the box.
– The box is darker in colour.
– The picture on the box is darker in colour.
– The inside of some of the boxes is plain white.
– No condom image.
– Address is wrong – 42, Montgomery Road, Yaba, Lagos.
– The manufacturer’s address is incomplete.
– No storage and caution information.
2. Condom Pack
– The colour of the pack is darker than the original.
– Kiss is loosely written on 5 lines. There is a lot of space between each line
– The condom strip is longer than the original.
3. Wallet – Outer
– Darker red pack.
– Address is wrong – 42 Montgomery Road, Yaba.
– Manufacturer addresses are missing.
– Description beside image of condom – Transparent, straight-walled, teat-ended, natural rubber latex condoms.
– The colour wave on the original pack is absent.
– No information on the hidden flap.
– There is an inconsistency in the barcode lines (barcode traceability).
– Medical device information is missing.
– This is absent.
– No Caution information.
– Wallet Inner.
– Summarised information under Important Notes
– 6 bullet points
4. Condom Size
– The condom is thinner in size.
– The condom has a small teat end for the collection of semen.
– The condom is round in shape.
– The condom has less lubrication than the original.
NAFDAC warned that the use of fake condoms poses serious health risks due to poor quality, lack of sterilisation, and absence of regulatory approval, leading to ineffective protection against pregnancy and STIs.
The agency highlighted the risks, including breakage, infections, allergic reactions, and a false sense of security, stressing that to ensure safety, consumers should only use genuine, quality-assured condoms produced by approved manufacturers.
It further revealed that all zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to conduct surveillance and mop up the falsified Kiss condoms from markets nationwide.
NAFDAC advised distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to prevent the distribution, sale, and use of falsified products.
“All medical products must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked,” the agency said, urging healthcare professionals and consumers to report any suspected sale of substandard or falsified medicines and medical devices to its nearest office, by calling 08001623322, or via email at sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
The regulatory body also encouraged healthcare professionals and patients to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of medicinal products or devices to its nearest office, through the e-reporting platforms on its website www.nafdac.gov.ng, via the Med-safety application available on Android and IOS devices, or by email at pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.
