The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a critical public alert concerning the illegal sale of unregistered SMA infant formula products across Nigeria. This warning comes in the wake of a massive global recall initiated by Nestlé, affecting baby formula in 60 countries.
Global Recall vs. Nigerian Market Status
In an official notice published on its website, NAFDAC clarified a vital point for Nigerian consumers: Nigeria is not included in the global recall action. However, the agency issued a stern caution that any SMA infant formula found on local shelves without approved NAFDAC registration numbers is considered illegal and potentially unsafe.
The agency explicitly listed the only SMA products legally registered for sale in the country:
- SMA Gold 1 (NAFDAC Registration No. B1-2783)
- SMA Gold 2 (NAFDAC Registration No. B1-2780)
- SMA Gold 3 (NAFDAC Registration No. B1-2781)
NAFDAC emphasized that any SMA infant formula circulating without these specific registration numbers should be deemed unregistered and unlawful. Consumers are urged to verify these numbers on product packaging before purchase.
Reason for the Worldwide Recall and Local Assurance
The agency explained the rationale behind Nestlé's international action. The batches withdrawn globally were linked to the potential presence of cereulide, a heat-resistant toxin produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus. This toxin is known to cause symptoms like nausea and severe vomiting.
Importantly, NAFDAC and Nestlé Nigeria Plc have both confirmed that the recall does not impact SMA products manufactured for the Nigerian market. NAFDAC reiterated that products officially registered with the agency, including the SMA Gold range and NAN Optipro 1, 2, and 3, remain safe and compliant with all regulatory standards.
Monitoring and Consumer Action
To safeguard public health, NAFDAC has mobilized its enforcement apparatus. The agency's zonal directors and state coordinators nationwide have been deployed to actively monitor distribution channels, including markets and stores, to identify and seize any unregistered or illegally imported products.
NAFDAC advises the public to purchase infant formula only from authorised and reputable retailers. Consumers who encounter any unregistered SMA infant formula are instructed to immediately report the sighting to the nearest NAFDAC office. Furthermore, any adverse events or side effects suspected from using a product should be reported through NAFDAC's official online reporting platforms.
This alert follows the global recall confirmation by Nestlé on January 5, which covered selected batches of its SMA, NAN, BEBA, and Alfamino brands across Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
