National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians about a suspected batch of SMA Gold First Infant Milk Formula (900g) with falsified expiry dates circulating in Kaduna State, linked to serious health risks for babies.
The agency flagged the issue on its official X handle after a four-month-old infant reportedly suffered gastrointestinal distress, including diarrhoea, after consuming the product.
NAFDAC warned that the tampered formula poses dangers like acute gastroenteritis, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, malnutrition from degraded nutrients, secondary infections, and even fatal outcomes if contaminated with harmful bacteria.
Physical inspection revealed clear tampering: the top sticker showed a manufacture date of Jan. 20, 2025, and expiry of Jan. 20, 2027, but the underlying original print read May 28, 2023, to May 28, 2025 — a classic case of illegal revalidation.
The product carries NAFDAC Reg. No. B1-2783 and batch number 22939510A1206 07:35, produced by Nestlé as a whey-dominant formula mimicking breast milk for newborns up to six months.
NAFDAC stressed that expired or adulterated infant formulas can harbour dangerous microbes and lose vital nutrients, hitting vulnerable infants hardest. “Revalidating dates without approval deceives consumers and endangers public health,” the agency stated, calling it a grave violation.
NAFDAC has mobilised zonal directors and state coordinators for surveillance and product mop-up across Nigeria. Distributors, retailers, healthcare workers, and caregivers are urged to scrutinise supply chains, buy only from authorised sources, and verify packaging integrity.
Suspected substandard products should be reported to the nearest NAFDAC office, via toll-free line 0800-162-3322, or email [email protected].
