The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Nigeria has issued a statement reassuring parents that all Nestlé infant formulae approved in the country are safe for consumption. This comes after Nestlé UK announced a voluntary recall of some of its products across over 50 countries due to the potential presence of cereulide, a toxin that can cause nausea and vomiting if ingested.
According to NAFDAC’s director-general, Mojisola Adeyeye, the approved infant formulae marketed in Nigeria, including SMA Gold 1, SMA Gold 2, and SMA Gold 3, are not part of the recall. These products are manufactured at Nestlé’s factory in Singapore and have valid NAFDAC registration numbers. NAFDAC verified that the SMA and NAN infant formulae produced for the Nigerian market are not among the affected batches.
The recall was issued as a precautionary measure, and NAFDAC maintains strict oversight of infant nutrition products through registration, surveillance, and post-market monitoring. However, the agency warns that there is still a risk of unauthorised imports, online purchases, or personal carriage during travel, which could potentially bring recalled products into the country.
NAFDAC has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health, particularly for infants and other vulnerable groups. The agency advises the public to rely only on verified information from NAFDAC and relevant authorities, and to discard any recalled products found. Additionally, the public is encouraged to report any suspected sales or distribution of recalled products to the nearest NAFDAC office.
It is essential for parents and caregivers to be aware of the safety of infant formulae and to take necessary precautions to ensure the products they use are safe and approved by regulatory authorities. By doing so, they can help protect the health and well-being of their children. NAFDAC’s statement aims to alleviate concerns and provide reassurance that the approved Nestlé infant formulae in Nigeria are safe for consumption.