NAFDAC Addresses Public Concern Over Infant Formula Recall
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reassured Nigerians that all Nestlé infant formula products currently sold in the country are safe for consumption and are not affected by the ongoing recall taking place in more than 50 countries worldwide.
The clarification follows growing public concern after Nestlé UK announced a voluntary recall of specific batches of SMA Infant Formula and Follow-On Formula due to the possible presence of cereulide, a toxin linked to nausea and vomiting.
Affected Products Were Never Approved for Sale in Nigeria
In a statement issued on Monday, January 12, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasized that the recalled products were limited to certain batches produced for the UK market.
“The agency wishes to reassure the public, healthcare professionals, parents, guardians and caregivers that all Nestlé infant formulae currently approved for marketing in Nigeria are safe and are not part of the recall,” Adeyeye said.
She added, “The agency did not register the UK batches that are being recalled.”
Only Singapore-Manufactured SMA Products Are Registered in Nigeria
According to NAFDAC, all SMA infant formula products sold legally in Nigeria are manufactured at Nestlé’s Tuas Factory in Singapore and have been fully registered and approved.
These include:
SMA Gold 1 (NAFDAC Reg. No. B1-2783)
SMA Gold 2 (B1-2780)
SMA Gold 3 (B1-2781)
The agency also confirmed that both SMA and NAN infant formula ranges officially produced for the Nigerian market are not part of the global recall.
Why the Recall Happened Abroad
Adeyeye explained that the recall in other countries was linked to the possible presence of cereulide, an extremely heat-resistant toxin produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus.
She noted that the recall was issued purely as a precautionary public health measure.
“This is consistent with NAFDAC’s statutory responsibility to keep Nigerians informed of emerging global food safety concerns, even where the likelihood of local exposure remains minimal,” she said.
NAFDAC Warns Against Smuggled and Unauthorised Imports
While reassuring Nigerians, the agency warned that risks could still arise through unauthorised importation, online purchases, or personal carriage of recalled products into the country during international travel.
“The risks associated with smuggled products and unregulated online transactions cannot be entirely excluded,” Adeyeye cautioned.
Agency Reaffirms Commitment to Infant Safety
Adeyeye assured Nigerians that NAFDAC maintains strict regulatory oversight through product registration, routine surveillance, and post-market monitoring to ensure all food products meet safety, quality, and labelling standards.
“NAFDAC remains fully committed to safeguarding the health of Nigerians, particularly infants and other vulnerable populations. The agency will not hesitate to take prompt regulatory action should any product be found to pose a risk to public health,” she said.
She urged the public to rely on verified information and advised that any recalled products should be discarded and reported to the nearest NAFDAC office or via the agency’s toll-free line, 0800-162-3322. She also encouraged reporting of adverse reactions through NAFDAC’s official e-reporting platforms.
