Nigeria’s leading bleach brand, Hypo, has issued a strong public warning cautioning Nigerians against consuming its product, following the circulation of videos and AI-generated images portraying the bleach as a beverage.
In a press release signed by the Marketing Manager, Adebayo Adeyemo, the company stressed that Hypo Bleach is strictly a cleaning product and not fit for human consumption under any circumstance.
The company described as alarming the growing trend of online content designed to make the product appear drinkable, warning that such portrayals are false, dangerous, and capable of putting lives at risk.
“Hypo Bleach, Nigeria’s number one bleach brand, is formulated to remove stains, whiten fabrics, deodorize and kill 99.9 percent of germs. It is not a drink. It is not something to consume for the sake of trends,” the statement read.
Hypo said it had observed individuals “creating and sharing videos and AI-generated images designed to make Hypo look like a beverage,” adding that the framing of such content is fabricated and misleading.
“We want to be unambiguous: those images are fabricated, that framing is false, and anyone encouraging others to consume Hypo, even as a joke or for views, is putting lives at risk,” the company stated.
The firm also directed a message to influencers, bloggers and content creators, reminding them of the responsibility that comes with their platforms.
“Your reach is real. So is your responsibility. A trend that ends in ill-health is not a trend worth starting,” Adeyemo said.
Addressing young Nigerians directly, the company urged them not to succumb to peer pressure online or offline.
“You do not have to prove anything to anyone. Not online. Not offline. Not ever. If someone is pressuring you to try this, that is not a dare. That is harm,” the statement added.
Beyond the immediate safety warning, Hypo encouraged Nigerians to prioritise their mental health and seek professional help where necessary, noting that depression and emotional pressure should be treated with utmost concern.
“Let’s keep social media fun, but safe,” the company concluded, reiterating its commitment to consumer safety under the campaign hashtag #HypoForASaferTomorrow