The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration, and Control (NAFDAC) in Nigeria has issued a warning to consumers about the sale and use of unregistered SMA infant formula products. Although Nigeria is not directly affected by a global recall of Nestle infant formula products, NAFDAC emphasizes that any SMA infant formula sold without approved registration numbers is illegal in the country. The agency has identified only three SMA infant formula products that are duly registered in Nigeria: SMA Gold 1, SMA Gold 2, and SMA Gold 3, with specific NAFDAC registration numbers.
The global recall, announced by Nestle, affects 60 countries worldwide and involves specific batches of SMA infant formula and follow-on formula due to the possible presence of cereulide, a toxin linked to foodborne illness. Cereulide is a heat-resistant toxin produced by certain strains of the bacterium Bacillus cereus and can cause nausea and severe vomiting. Nestle has stated that the recall is precautionary and that no confirmed cases of illness linked to the affected products have been recorded.
NAFDAC has activated its surveillance systems to identify any recalled or illegally sold SMA products and has urged consumers to buy infant formula only from authorized and reliable sources. Consumers are also encouraged to report the presence of unregistered infant formula to the nearest NAFDAC office or through the agency’s e-reporting platforms. Nestle Nigeria Plc has assured that its infant formula products sold in the country are not affected by the recall and meet regulatory and safety requirements.
The recall spans 60 countries and territories worldwide, including 37 countries in Europe, seven countries in the Americas, and 16 countries in Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Nestle has emphasized that the recall applies only to specific batches sold outside Nigeria, and that all its infant formula products registered with NAFDAC, including SMA Gold and NAN Optipro, are safe for consumption. NAFDAC’s warning serves as a reminder to consumers to be vigilant when purchasing infant formula and to only buy products from authorized sources to ensure the safety and well-being of their children.