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By Doris Obinna
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has assured Nigerians that Nestlé infant formulae currently sold and approved for use in the country are safe and not affected by the recent global recall announced by Nestlé UK.
In a press statement issued by the Director General, NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the agency addressed public concerns following Nestlé UK’s voluntary recall of specific batches of its SMA Infant Formula and Follow-On Formula in over 50 countries. The recall was initiated due to the potential presence of cereulide, a toxin that can cause nausea and vomiting.
Prof. Adeyeye clarified that none of the products recalled abroad were registered or approved for sale in Nigeria. She explained that the SMA infant formula range available in the Nigerian market is manufactured at Nestlé’s Tuas Factory in Singapore and has been duly registered with NAFDAC. The registered products include: SMA Gold 1 with NAFDAC registration number B1-2783, SMA Gold 2 with registration number B1-2780, and SMA Gold 3 with registration number B1-2781.
According to the agency, the products affected by the recall were UK-manufactured batches, which differ from those supplied to Nigeria. NAFDAC further confirmed that both the SMA and NAN infant formula ranges produced specifically for the Nigerian market are not part of the precautionary recall taking place in other countries.
The agency explained that cereulide is a highly heat-resistant toxin produced by certain strains of the bacterium Bacillus cereus and can cause gastrointestinal symptoms if ingested. While the likelihood of exposure in Nigeria is considered minimal, NAFDAC said the advisory was issued as a precautionary measure in line with its statutory responsibility to keep Nigerians informed about global food safety developments.
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NAFDAC also warned that risks could arise through unauthorized importation, online purchases, or personal carriage of recalled products during international travel. As a result, the agency said it remains vigilant through strict regulatory oversight, including product registration, routine surveillance, and post-market monitoring, especially for infant nutrition products.
Prof. Adeyeye reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to protecting public health, particularly that of infants and other vulnerable groups, and stated that the agency would take immediate regulatory action if any product posed a risk to consumers.
Members of the public were urged to rely only on verified information from NAFDAC and other relevant authorities. The agency advised that any recalled products found in circulation should be discarded and reported to the nearest NAFDAC office. Consumers were also encouraged to report any adverse reactions linked to the consumption of infant formula products through NAFDAC’s electronic reporting platforms. The agency reiterated that it remains proactive and fully committed to its responsibility of safeguarding the health and safety of Nigerians.
