The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has clarified that the recent voluntary recall announced by Nestle UK does not affect Nestle infant formulae sold in Nigeria.
In a statement issued by the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Agency disclosed that all Nestle infant formulae approved for sale in Nigeria are safe, noting that the UK recall involves specific batches of SMA Infant Formula and Follow-On Formula distributed in over 50 countries.
Prof. Adeyeye explained that the recalled products are UK batches withdrawn as a precaution due to the potential presence of cereulide, a heart-resistant toxin produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus, which may cause nausea and vomiting.
“These affected batches were not registered by NAFDAC and are not authorised for distribution in Nigeria,” she said.
The DG revealed that the SMA range marketed in Nigeria is manufactured at Nestle’s Tuas Factory in Singapore and is duly registered with NAFDAC, including 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.
“This notice is issued in the interest of the public health and in line with NAFDAC’s mandate to keep Nigerians informed of global food safety developments, while maintaining vigilance against unauthorised importation, online purchases, or personal carriage of unregistered products,” she remarked.
Adeyeye assured that the Agency would continue strict regulatory oversight through product registration, routine surveillance, and post-market monitoring of infant nutrition products.
She reiterated NAFDAC’s commitment to safeguarding the health of Nigerians, particularly infants and other vulnerable groups.
Adeyeye further advised members of the public to rely on verified information from the regulatory body, discard any recalled products if encountered, and report suspected sales to the nearest NAFDAC office or by calling 08001623322.
She added that adverse events should be reported through NAFDAC’s e-reporting platforms.
