Leading household cleaning brand Hypo Bleach has issued a strong public warning against the dangerous trend circulating on social media suggesting that some influencers, including VDM and King Mitchy, consumed bleach.
In a public notice released on Sunday by the Marketing Manager, Adebayo Adeyemo, the company described the viral images and videos as false and misleading, stressing that its product is strictly meant for cleaning and disinfection — not consumption.
“Hypo Bleach, Nigeria’s number 1 bleach brand, is formulated to remove stains, whiten your white fabric, deodorize and kill 99.9% of germs. It is not a drink. It is not something to consume7 for the sake of trends,” the statement read.
Reacting to the controversial content making the rounds online, the company said it had observed a growing number of fabricated images and AI-generated videos portraying Hypo as a beverage.
“We have observed people seeming to have fun creating and sharing videos and AI-generated images designed to make Hypo look like a beverage. Your health and safety is serious business,” the statement said.
The company further warned that such content could put lives at risk.
“We want to be unambiguous: those images are fabricated, that framing is false, and anyone encouraging others to consume Hypo, even as a joke, even for views, is putting lives at risk,” it added.
Hypo also directed its warning to social media influencers, bloggers, and content creators, urging them to act responsibly.
“To every influencer, blogger, and content creator: Your reach is real. So is your responsibility. A trend that ends in ill-health is not a trend worth starting,” the company said.
The brand emphasized that online popularity should never come at the expense of public safety.
Addressing young Nigerians who may feel pressured to follow online trends, the company urged them to prioritize their wellbeing.
“To every young Nigerian seeing this content: 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 noted.
Beyond the immediate warning, Hypo also highlighted the importance of mental health and emotional support.
“If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or feeling pressure they cannot handle, please reach out to someone you trust. A guardian. A counselor. A healthcare professional. Asking for help is not weakness. It is strength,” the company stated.
It further advised Nigerians to pay close attention to their social interactions and encourage professional help where necessary.
“Depression is real and should be treated with utmost concern. Let’s keep social media fun, but safe,” the statement added