Nairobi — The COMESA Competition Commission has warned its members states against the sale and use of unsafe shampoo reported to have penetrated the South Africa market.

This is after the National Consumer Commission (NCC) in South Africa recalled the 50ML single-use neutralizing shampoo contained in Dark and Lovely Moisture Plus Kits, including Regular, Super and Dark and Lovely Anti Breakage Kit for containing bacteria, which may lead to scalp infections to users with weakened immune systems.

"COMESA has become aware of the recall of 50ml single use neutralizing shampoo contained in Dark and Lovely Moisture Plus Kits (Regular, and Super) and Dark and Lovely Anti Breakage Kit for containing bacteria by NCC," the commission revealed.

Through a statement to the Media NCC urged persons in possession of the 50ml single use neutralizing shampoo manufactured by L'Oréal in South Africa to immediately discontinue use and return the product to the point of sale for a full refund.

NCC stated that detected presence of bacteria in the recalled 50ml single use neutralizing shampoo during their regular quality controls urging citizens to take caution.

"Pursuant to Article 30(1)(b) of the COMESA Competition Regulations, the Commission hereby informs the public in the respective countries of the risks associated with the product in question and wishes to advise consumers to avoid purchasing or using it," the Commission urged.

The recalled product, which was produced in April back in 2023, was exported to COMESA Member states including Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Eswatini.

The Commission further established that the recalled products are marketed in other COMESA Member States including Uganda, Rwanda, Malawi, Mauritius, and Egypt.

"The Commission has further written to L'Oréal -South Africa, the manufacturer of the product, requesting them to Recall the products in question from all affected Member States and Provide the Commission with reports on the progress of the recall," it added.