NAFDAC warns against unregistered SMA infant formula in the market

The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised the alarm over the sale of unregistered SMA infant formula in Nigeria, following heightened public concern triggered by a recent global recall announced by Nestlé.

The warning, which has gained traction on social media, has unsettled many parents and caregivers who rely on infant formula products.

However, NAFDAC has clarified that Nigeria is not affected by the global recall, stressing that the alert is strictly a preventive measure aimed at protecting public health.

In a public notice, the regulatory agency emphasised that any SMA infant formula sold in Nigeria without NAFDAC approval is illegal and unsafe for consumption.

The agency explained that only three SMA products are officially registered for sale in the country—SMA Gold 1, SMA Gold 2 and SMA Gold 3—and these must carry valid NAFDAC registration numbers to be considered authentic and safe.

READ ALSO: NAFDAC issues safety alert over counterfeit Cowbell milk in circulation

“Any other SMA variant found in the Nigerian market should be regarded as unregistered,” NAFDAC stated, warning consumers to exercise caution when purchasing infant food products.

The agency explained that the global recall was linked to the possible presence of cereulide, a heat-resistant toxin produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus.

Exposure to the toxin has been associated with symptoms such as nausea and severe vomiting. NAFDAC, however, reassured Nigerians that the affected batches were not manufactured for the Nigerian market.

While urging parents and caregivers to remain calm, the agency advised them to stay vigilant by purchasing infant formula only from trusted and authorised outlets.

As part of its response, NAFDAC disclosed that it has activated its nationwide enforcement network. Zonal directors and state coordinators have been deployed across the country to monitor markets, pharmacies and distribution channels to identify and remove any unregistered or recalled products that may still be in circulation.

The agency also called on the public to support its surveillance efforts by reporting any suspicious or unregistered SMA infant formula to the nearest NAFDAC office. Parents were further encouraged to report any adverse reactions linked to infant formula through the agency’s online reporting platforms.

Nestlé had announced the global recall on January 5, affecting selected batches of SMA, NAN, BEBA and Alfamino brands distributed across about 60 countries spanning Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa and Oceania.

Reacting to the development, Nestlé Nigeria Plc reassured local consumers that its products are not part of the recall.

The company affirmed that all infant formula products officially registered with NAFDAC—including SMA Gold 1, 2 and 3, as well as NAN Optipro 1, 2 and 3—remain safe for consumption.

NAFDAC described its warning as a proactive step to prevent the circulation of unauthorised products and to safeguard infant health.

The agency reiterated the importance of careful label checks and verification of NAFDAC registration numbers, reminding parents that vigilance remains the first line of defence in ensuring the safety of infant nutrition products.