The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians against the sale and consumption of unregistered SMA infant formula products following a global recall of some Nestlé baby formula brands affecting 60 countries.
In a public notice published on its website, NAFDAC clarified that Nigeria is not among the countries affected by the recall. However, the agency cautioned that any SMA infant formula sold in the country without an approved NAFDAC registration number is illegal.
According to the agency, only three SMA products are duly registered for sale in Nigeria. These include SMA Gold 1 (NAFDAC No. B1-2783), SMA Gold 2 (NAFDAC No. B1-2780), and SMA Gold 3 (NAFDAC No. B1-2781).
NAFDAC stressed that any SMA infant formula found in circulation without these registration numbers should be regarded as unregistered and unlawful.
Explaining the reason behind the global recall, the agency disclosed that affected batches were linked to the possible presence of cereulide, a heat-resistant toxin produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus, which is known to cause nausea and severe vomiting.
The regulatory body emphasised that the recall does not affect SMA products manufactured specifically for the Nigerian market and urged consumers to purchase infant formula only from authorised and verified sources.
NAFDAC added that it has deployed its zonal directors and state coordinators nationwide to monitor distribution channels and identify unregistered or recalled products. Consumers were also advised to report any sightings of unregistered infant formula to the nearest NAFDAC office and to submit adverse event reports through the agency’s online reporting platforms.
Nestlé had confirmed the global recall on January 5, involving selected batches of SMA, NAN, BEBA and Alfamino brands, with updated information indicating that 60 countries across Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa and Oceania were affected.
Meanwhile, Nestlé Nigeria Plc reiterated that none of its products in the Nigerian market are impacted by the recall. The company stated that all infant formula officially registered with NAFDAC, including SMA Gold 1, 2 and 3, as well as NAN Optipro 1, 2 and 3, remain safe and fully compliant with regulatory standards.