The Liberia Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority (LMHRA) has confiscated two truckloads of damaged Pampers diapers from Moichewa Enterprise, a local business owned by Adama Turay, following a court-ordered closure of the company’s premises.
The seized products were transported to LMHRA’s designated waste disposal site at King’s Farm in Careysburg, Montserrado County, where they are scheduled for safe destruction.
According to LMHRA, the operation was carried out by its Inspectorate and Post-Market Surveillance Department after inspectors discovered that the diapers, imported for commercial sale, were severely damaged and unfit for use. The Authority emphasized that the products posed a serious health risk to infants and young children.
Following the inspection, individuals responsible were apprehended and turned over to the West Point Magisterial Court for prosecution. At the conclusion of legal proceedings, the court ordered that the condemned diapers be handed over to LMHRA for disposal in line with national public health regulations.
Dr. Paul D. Y. Higgins, Inspector General of LMHRA, warned that the compromised diapers could cause significant health problems, including skin infections, rashes, and other complications. “The safety of our children is non-negotiable. LMHRA remains firm in its mandate to protect public health,” he stated.
Laboratory analyses conducted by LMHRA revealed the presence of harmful substances in the diapers, capable of causing skin irritation, diaper rash, dermatitis, and potential hormonal disruption. Dr. Higgins urged consumers to remain vigilant and avoid purchasing medicines and health products from unregulated or unauthorized vendors.
LMHRA disclosed that the case originated from a tip-off received in December 2024, which prompted the authority to seek and obtain a court order to close and quarantine the affected warehouse pending judicial proceedings. The swift intervention, officials said, underscores the agency’s commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring accountability in the marketplace.
The Liberia Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority is the statutory body responsible for regulating medicines and health products in Liberia. Its mandate includes ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of products, while preventing the circulation of substandard and falsified items on the Liberian market.
Officials reiterated that LMHRA will continue to strengthen surveillance and enforcement measures to protect consumers, particularly vulnerable groups such as infants and young children. The Authority also called on the public to report suspicious or unsafe products to its offices for prompt investigation.
The confiscation and destruction of the damaged diapers highlight growing concerns about the influx of substandard goods into Liberia’s market. Public health experts warn that such products not only endanger consumers but also undermine confidence in legitimate businesses.
By acting decisively, LMHRA aims to send a strong message to importers and distributors that violations of health regulations will not be tolerated. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of regulatory vigilance in protecting citizens from harmful products and ensuring that businesses operate within the bounds of the law.
