Salon owners and haircare enthusiasts have been warned and urged to return the 50ml single-use neutralising shampoo contained in the Dark and Lovely Moisture Plus Kits (regular and super).
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has also recalled the shampoo that was a part of the Dark and Lovely Anti-Breakage Kit.
Those who have already purchased it are urged to immediately discontinue use of the product and return it to the point of sale for a refund.
Presence of bacteria
According to Loreal, the manufacturer, the NCC was informed of the presence of bacteria in the 50ml single-use neutralising shampoo during the regular quality controls.
Thezi Mabuza, the deputy commissioner at the NCC, said the manufacturer revealed that using the product may lead to scalp infections in people with compromised immune systems.
“While this is single-use shampoo, we urge South Africans who might still have these products in their possession to stop use and return to the point of purchase for a full refund,” said Mabuza.
“We understand that the product can cause scalp infections for those who are immune compromised.”
The product was produced in April 2023 and later distributed in stores across the country.
It is also exported to Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Kenya, Ghana, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Morocco, and Nigeria.
Benylin cough mixture recalled
In April, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) recalled two batches of Benylin cough mixture after the discovery of diethylene glycol, a poisonous substance that can be lethal to people.
Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela, the CEO of SAHPRA, said diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, a changed mental state, and acute renal injury, which can be fatal, were among the harmful effects of diethylene glycol.
Semete-Makokotlela stated that recalling medical products is an essential step in addressing safety, especially for the regulatory body.
