The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised alarm over the sale of unregistered SMA infant formula in Nigeria, following a wide-ranging global recall by Nestlé.
The warning has sparked concern among parents, especially as reports of the recall spread across social media.
In a public notice, NAFDAC made it clear that Nigeria is not affected by the global recall.
However, the agency stressed that any SMA baby formula sold in the country without proper approval is illegal and unsafe.
This clarification came as many consumers expressed fear over the safety of infant food products.
According to the agency, the only SMA infant formulas approved for sale in Nigeria are SMA Gold 1, SMA Gold 2 and SMA Gold 3.
These products must carry valid NAFDAC registration numbers to be considered safe for consumption.
Any other SMA products found on shelves should be treated as unregistered.
NAFDAC explained that the global recall was linked to the possible presence of cereulide, a toxin produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus.
The toxin is heat-resistant and has been associated with nausea and severe vomiting. However, the agency said the affected batches were not produced for the Nigerian market.
“The recall does not affect SMA products manufactured for the Nigerian market,” NAFDAC stated.
Therefore, parents were urged to remain calm while staying alert.
The agency advised consumers to buy infant formula only from trusted and authorised sellers.
Moreover, NAFDAC said it has activated its enforcement network nationwide. Zonal directors and state coordinators have been deployed to monitor markets, pharmacies and distribution channels.
Their task is to identify any unregistered or recalled products still in circulation.
Meanwhile, consumers were encouraged to report suspicious products. NAFDAC advised parents to notify the nearest office if they sight unregistered SMA infant formula.
In addition, adverse reactions can be reported through the agency’s online reporting platforms.
Nestlé confirmed the global recall on January 5. The action affected selected batches of SMA, NAN, BEBA and Alfamino brands across 60 countries worldwide.
These countries span Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa and Oceania.
However, Nestlé Nigeria Plc has reassured local consumers. The company said its products are not part of the recall. It added 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.
The NAFDAC SMA infant formula warning has therefore been positioned as a preventive move.
Ultimately, the NAFDAC SMA infant formula warning serves as a reminder for parents to check labels carefully.
