Nigeria’s Food Regulator Assures Parents That Approved Formulae

Nigeria’s Food Regulator Assures Parents That Approved Formulae in Market Are Safe and Unaffected by Overseas Recall

ABUJA, NIGERIA — The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reassured Nigerian parents, caregivers and healthcare professionals that all locally approved Nestlé infant formula products sold in Nigeria are safe for consumption and are not affected by the recent international recall of specific batches of Nestlé SMA Infant Formula and Follow-On Formula.

In a statement issued on Monday, NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye said that the voluntary recall announced by Nestlé UK — linked to the potential presence of a heat-resistant toxin known as cereulide, produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus — only applies to specific batches distributed in other countries and does not concern products marketed in Nigeria.

“The recalled products were UK batches withdrawn as a precaution due to the potential presence of cereulide … these affected batches were not registered by NAFDAC and are not authorised for distribution in Nigeria,” Adeyeye said.

Products on the Nigerian Market Not Affected

NAFDAC confirmed that the SMA range of infant formulae manufactured for Nigeria, produced at Nestlé’s Tuas Factory in Singapore, are duly registered with the agency and are safe for use. These include SMA Gold 1 (NAFDAC Reg. No. B1-2783), SMA Gold 2 (B1-2780) and SMA Gold 3 (B1-2781). The regulator also clarified that both the SMA and NAN product lines marketed locally are not part of the recalled batches overseas.

Responding to rising public concern following widespread news of the European recall, NAFDAC said its advisory was issued in the interest of public health — and to emphasise its ongoing mandate to keep Nigerians informed of food safety developments worldwide while safeguarding the local supply chain.

Public Guidance and Safety Measures

NAFDAC urged parents, guardians and caregivers to rely only on verified information from regulatory authorities and to be cautious about unauthorised importation, unregulated online purchases, or bringing foreign-market products into the country, as these items may not have been evaluated or approved for local sale.

The agency also encouraged consumers to report any suspected adverse events or side effects related to infant formula through its e-reporting platforms or via its toll-free hotline.

Context of the Global Recall

Nestlé’s recall — impacting over 50 countries, including the United Kingdom — was announced by the company as a precautionary measure after discovering the potential presence of cereulide in certain SMA infant and follow-on formula batches. Although no illnesses have been confirmed in relation to these products, health authorities in recall countries advised consumers to check batch codes and refrain from using affected tins.

While the international recall has attracted significant media and parental concern globally, Nestlé Nigeria has separately reiterated that its products sold locally comply with both NAFDAC registration and stringent safety and quality standards.