Nigerians have called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to investigate a weight gain pap for babies being sold by a TikTok user, sparking widespread concern over its safety.
The controversy erupted on social media platform X.com after several users shared videos from the TikTok account #purelyorganicc, which promotes the product as an “organic” solution to help babies gain weight. The videos featured babies allegedly using the product, with captions highlighting significant weight gain.
One video claimed a one-year-old baby weighed an alarming 47kg, while another showcased a four-month-old baby, encouraging others to buy the product with the caption: “Now tell me why you haven’t gotten our products yet.”
Public Concerns
Nigerian health influencer, Dr. Chinonso Egemba, popularly known as Aproko Doctor, joined the conversation, urging NAFDAC to act swiftly. He stated, “Dear #NafdacAgency, I’m guessing this is within your purview. No one knows what is inside that pap. Also, this is setting these babies for damage.”
Other users, such as #JaceTheJace and #Talk2veee, echoed the concerns, highlighting the potential harm to babies and the dangers of unregulated products.
“What’s the obsession with chubby babies? Are slim babies unhealthy?” questioned #Talk2veee, who shared screenshots of reviews from parents praising the product for making their babies gain weight rapidly.
Dangerous Trends
A WhatsApp review shared in the discussion read: “We are four months. She is doing wonders. People dey gather her; they call her boss baby. Madam, what are you feeding her with? E choke, my baby na celeb everywhere we dey.”
These testimonials have raised fears that parents are unknowingly putting their children at risk due to the lack of regulation and transparency about the ingredients in the product.
Call for NAFDAC Action
The issue has sparked calls for NAFDAC to investigate the weight gain pap and take action against its producer. Critics warn that promoting such products without medical oversight could lead to serious health risks, including obesity and other long-term complications.
“She doesn’t even know what’s inside the so-called pap. I’ve emailed child help and domestic violence organisations, I don’t know who to reach out to again; we need to do something about this rubbish before babies start dying!” #JaceTheJace wrote.
As public pressure mounts, many are urging authorities to prioritize child health and safety by clamping down on unverified and potentially harmful baby products.
