NAFDAC Raises Alarm Over Circulation of Expired Lara Force Insecticide

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert warning Nigerians about the unlawful auction and widespread circulation of expired Lara Force Lambda-Cyhalothrin 2.5% insecticide (1 Litre), posing serious health, environmental, and agricultural risks.

According to Public Alert No. 025/2025, NAFDAC discovered that 5,000 cartons of the expired insecticide bearing Batch Number Xzh2020006 and an expiration date of March 7, 2023, were illegally auctioned to various third-party buyers. These products are now being sold or used despite being well past their shelf life.

Lara Force Lambda-Cyhalothrin is a synthetic pyrethroid widely used in pest control and agricultural applications. While the product typically has a shelf life of 2 to 3 years, its effectiveness and safety can degrade significantly after expiry, depending on how it was stored.

NAFDAC warns that using the expired insecticide can result in: Reduced efficacy, leading to poor pest control and increased risk of resistance;

Higher toxicity, including potential formation of harmful byproducts and increased skin or eye irritation; Environmental risks, such as harm to beneficial insects and contamination of soil or water sources; Physical instability, which may result in clogged equipment or uneven application during use.

The agency has urged healthcare professionals, farmers, agro-dealers, and the general public to exercise caution and avoid the purchase or use of products from the affected batch.

Anyone with information on the sale or distribution of the expired insecticide is encouraged to report to the nearest NAFDAC office, call the toll-free line 0800-162-3322, or email sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.

NAFDAC further reiterates its commitment to ensuring the safety of agricultural products and public health, and is actively investigating the source and distribution chain of the expired items.