•The recalled Nestle infant formula
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has reassured Nigerians that all Nestlé infant formula products approved for sale in the country are safe, following a voluntary recall announced by Nestlé UK involving specific batches of SMA Infant Formula and Follow-On Formula in over 50 countries.
In a statement issued today, the NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, clarified that the recalled products were UK batches withdrawn as a precaution due to the potential presence of cereulide, a heat-resistant toxin produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus, which may cause nausea and vomiting.
The agency emphasised that these batches were not registered by NAFDAC and are not authorised for distribution in Nigeria, reports The PUNCH.
It confirmed that the SMA range sold in Nigeria is manufactured at Nestlé’s Tuas Factory in Singapore and duly registered with NAFDAC.
This includes SMA GOLD 1 (NAFDAC Reg. No. B1-2783), SMA GOLD 2 (NAFDAC Reg. No. B1-2780), and SMA GOLD 3 (NAFDAC Reg. No. B1-2781).
“NAFDAC has further verified that the SMA and NAN ranges produced for the Nigerian market are not part of the recalled batches,” the statement read.
NAFDAC stated that the notice is issued in the interest of public health and in line with its mandate to keep Nigerians informed of global food safety developments.
The agency also reiterated its vigilance against unauthorised importation, online purchases, or personal carriage of unregistered products, noting that it continues strict regulatory oversight through product registration, routine surveillance, and post-market monitoring of infant nutrition products.
“NAFDAC remains fully committed to safeguarding the health of Nigerians, particularly infants and other vulnerable groups.
“Members of the public are advised to rely on verified information from NAFDAC, discard any recalled products if encountered, and report suspected sales to the nearest NAFDAC office or call 0800-162-3322,” the statement added.
The announcement follows a clarification from Toju Egbebi, Corporate Affairs Manager of Nestlé Nigeria, in a statement issued on Friday in Lagos, which reiterated that its locally sold infant formula products were not included in the voluntary recall.
“We would like to reassure consumers that all SMA and NAN product ranges sold by Nestlé Nigeria are safe for consumption.”
Egbebi added that all Nestlé infant formula products in Nigeria are officially registered with NAFDAC and comply with local and international food safety and quality standards.
NAFDAC and Nestlé Nigeria are urging parents and caregivers to remain calm, use locally registered products, and seek guidance from verified sources whenever in doubt.
