NAFDAC Sounds Alarm Over Illegal Infant Formula as Global Nestlé Recall Affects 60 Countries
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NAFDAC Warns Public Against Sale of Unregistered SMA Infant Formula
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a nationwide alert cautioning consumers against the sale and purchase of unregistered SMA infant formula products. The warning comes in the wake of a global recall of selected Nestlé baby formula batches affecting 60 countries.
Ejes Gist News reports that Nigeria is not part of the global recall, but the agency emphasized that any SMA infant formula sold locally without approved NAFDAC registration numbers is considered illegal.
According to the agency, the only SMA products officially registered for distribution in Nigeria are:
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- SMA Gold 1 – NAFDAC No. B1-2783
- SMA Gold 2 – NAFDAC No. B1-2780
- SMA Gold 3 – NAFDAC No. B1-2781
NAFDAC advised that all other SMA infant formula products circulating in the market without these registration numbers should be treated as unregistered and unlawful.
Reason for Global Recall
The agency explained that the global recall was prompted by the potential presence of cereulide, a heat-resistant toxin produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus. Cereulide is known to cause nausea and severe vomiting, particularly in infants and vulnerable individuals.
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“Consumers are urged to purchase infant formula only from authorised outlets and to verify NAFDAC registration numbers before purchase,” the agency said. NAFDAC confirmed that products manufactured for the Nigerian market are not affected by the recall.
Enforcement and Consumer Guidance
To ensure compliance, NAFDAC has deployed zonal directors and state coordinators across the country to monitor distribution channels and identify unregistered or potentially recalled products.
Consumers are encouraged to report any unregistered infant formula to the nearest NAFDAC office. Adverse events related to infant formula can also be submitted through the agency’s online reporting platforms.
Nestlé Confirms Recall
Nestlé announced the global recall on January 5, covering selected batches of SMA, NAN, BEBA, and Alfamino brands across 60 countries spanning Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
Nestlé Nigeria Plc confirmed that none of its products distributed locally are affected by the recall. The company reiterated that all infant formula registered with NAFDAC, including SMA Gold 1, 2, 3 and NAN Optipro 1, 2, 3, remain safe and compliant with regulatory standards.
