Dettol Disinfectant Liquid recalled

A nationwide recall of the new Dettol Disinfectant Liquid imported from the UK has been ordered because it may pose a health risk, the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) said on Tuesday.

   

"It fails to meet our requirements, and as such we urge the public not to use the product," NRCS general manager Thomas Mavhidze told reporters in Pretoria.

   

"In instances where the safety and health of consumers may be affected, we issue a consumer alert to say such a product is under recall and it's not advisable for you to use it.

   

"We issue a specific number [on any product] to indicate that it  meets our requirements and is safe for use. This product has not met such requirements."

   

Mavhidze said the regulator could not ascertain the disinfectant's compliance with safety standards.

   

"We went on to conduct tests which indicated that this product fails," he said.

   

"Both on technical tests and administrative requirements, any product which is not registered by us cannot be sold. It should not be found anywhere."

   

He said bottles of the product might still be found in outlying areas, despite the recall, and he urged the public not to buy it.

   

Mavhidze said the regulator had also ordered that Domestos Extended Germ-Kill be pulled from the shelves, because it did not meet administrative approval processes.

   

"Domestos may not pose any health or safety risk to consumers as it stands, but if it does not have an approval from ourselves, it can't be sold," he said.

   

"We are addressing the matter internally. It's a matter of ensuring that they follow the processes, register the product, pay the levies and then sell the product," he said.

   

The recall did not affect Domestos Thick Bleach and other products in the Dettol range, including Dettol Hygiene Liquid and Dettol Antiseptic Liquid.

   

The NRCS is an agency of the department of trade and industry established to administer compulsory specifications and other technical regulations.

   

In instances where products do not meet minimum standards, it applies sanctions, including halting the sale of non-conforming products, the seizure and destruction of products, and theprosecution of offenders.

   

NRCS acting CEO Bongani Khanyile urged the public to notify the regulator about any shops still selling Dettol Disinfectant Liquid and Domestos Extended Germ-Kill.

   

-Sapa