The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued an urgent warning to the public following the discovery of large quantities of expired insecticide being unlawfully circulated in Nigeria while highlighting health implications.
According to Public Alert No. 025/2025, the affected product is Lara Force Lambda-Cyhalothrin 2.5% (1 Litre), an agricultural and pest control formulation containing the synthetic pyrethroid lambda-cyhalothrin.
The batch in question — Xzh2020006 — originally expired on 7 March 2023.
NAFDAC revealed that 5,000 cartons of the expired insecticide were illegally auctioned to various third-party buyers.
The agency warned that the shelf life of this product typically ranges from two to three years, depending on storage conditions, and that its use after expiry poses serious hazards.
The potential risks include reduced effectiveness due to degraded active ingredients, which could lead to poor pest control and encourage resistance in target pests.
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There is also a risk of increased toxicity, with harmful by-products potentially causing skin and eye irritation, as well as environmental dangers such as water contamination and harm to beneficial insect species.
In addition, expired products may display physical instability, causing blockages in spraying equipment or uneven application.
NAFDAC has urged healthcare professionals, farmers, and the general public to be vigilant and report any suspected sales of substandard or falsified agrochemical products.
Reports can be made at the nearest NAFDAC office, by calling 08001623322, or by emailing [email protected].
