NAFDAC Alerts Public on Circulation of Expired Lara Force Insecticide

Author
Published by Rosemary Osuoha, B Pharm
Last updated on August 11, 2025
Health and Environmental Risks of Using Expired Product | How Patients and Healthcare Professionals Can Protect Themselves

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert regarding the unlawful distribution of expired Lara Force Lambda-Cyhalothrin 2.5% (1 Litre) insecticide, Batch Number XZH2020006.
According to the agency, 5,000 cartons of the product, originally set to expire on March 7, 2023—were discovered to have been illegally auctioned to various third-party buyers. Investigations confirm that the product is now well past its shelf life, which is typically two to three years from the date of manufacture, depending on storage conditions.
Lara Force Lambda-Cyhalothrin 2.5% is a synthetic pyrethroid formulation widely used in farming and pest control.

Health and Environmental Risks of Using Expired Product

The use of expired Lara Force insecticide may cause:

  • Reduced effectiveness in killing pests, which may encourage resistance.
  • Potentially higher toxicity due to breakdown products, increasing the risk of skin and eye irritation.
  • Physical instability, which may cause blockages in spraying equipment.
  • Environmental hazards, such as harm to beneficial insects and possible water contamination.

How Patients and Healthcare Professionals Can Protect Themselves

To minimize risk and safeguard public health, I advise:

Healthcare Professionals

  • Educate farmers, pest control workers, and the public on checking product labels before use.
  • Report any suspected poisoning or unusual symptoms linked to pesticide exposure.
  • Encourage the safe disposal of expired pesticides..
  • Avoid handling or using the expired product under any circumstances.
  • Avoid using products with damaged packaging, missing labels, or altered dates.

    • Patients and the Public:

    • Purchase pesticides only from licensed and reputable suppliers.
    • Always check the batch number and expiry date before purchase or use.
    • Avoid using products with damaged packaging, missing labels, or altered dates