NAFDAC issues alert on suspected revalidated SMA Gold infant formula

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a safety warning to healthcare providers and the public after a suspected revalidated SMA Gold First Infant Milk Formula was discovered for sale in Kaduna State.

The alert follows a complaint that the formula allegedly caused gastrointestinal distress in a four-month-old infant after consumption.

Physical examination of the product revealed clear signs of tampering: the manufacturing and expiry dates on a preprinted sticker were inconsistent with the original markings underneath, confirming suspicions of date revalidation.

“The product allegedly caused gastrointestinal distress in a 4-month-old infant following consumption. Physical examination of the complaint product sample revealed clear indicators of date marking alteration. The manufacturing and expiry date on the top preprinted sticker was inconsistent with the underlying, originally printed version. This confirms the suspicion of revalidation and tampering,” the agency stated.

NAFDAC emphasized that altering the shelf-life information of regulated food products without approval poses significant public health risks. Expired or tampered infant formula may harbor harmful microorganisms and suffer nutrient degradation, increasing the likelihood of: Acute gastroenteritis; Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance; Malnutrition; Secondary infections in infants with developing immune systems; In severe cases, contaminated formula could lead to fatal outcomes.

The agency warned that revalidating infant formula dates constitutes product adulteration and consumer deception, misleading buyers about freshness and safety.

READ ALSO: No FG directive to stop sachet alcohol enforcement, says NAFDAC

NAFDAC has directed nationwide surveillance to remove any revalidated infant formula from circulation. Distributors are urged to source products only from authorised suppliers and verify the authenticity of packaging before sale.

This warning is part of a broader crackdown by NAFDAC against counterfeit, substandard, and tampered products across Nigeria. Recent enforcement actions include:

Interception of counterfeit malaria medicines worth over N1.2 billion in Lagos, hidden in warehouses and disguised as other goods.

Custody of large consignments of counterfeit pharmaceuticals valued at over N9.23 billion, handed over by the Nigeria Customs Service.

Seizure of 16 containers of fake and banned regulated products in Port Harcourt worth an estimated N20.5 billion, including unregistered and substandard medicines.

Destruction of unwholesome and expired medical products in Ibadan valued at more than N15 billion, preventing harmful drugs from reaching the public.

NAFDAC reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health by ensuring that only authentic, safe, and approved food and drug products are available to Nigerians, particularly vulnerable populations such as infants.