NAFDAC Alerts Nigerians to Suspected Revalidated SMA Gold Infant Formula in Circulation

By: Israel Adeleke

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has issued a public alert over a suspected revalidated batch of SMA Gold First Infant Milk Formula (900g) reportedly circulating in Kaduna State.

OTN News further reports as gathered that the agency in a statement posted on its official X handle on Sunday, said that the suspected product bears altered manufacturing and expiry dates and has been linked to gastrointestinal distress in a four-month-old infant following consumption.

NAFDAC noted that the infant’s diarrhoea raises concerns about possible product deterioration, warning of risks that include acute gastroenteritis, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, malnutrition due to compromised nutritional content, secondary infections in immunocompromised infants, and potentially fatal outcomes if the product is contaminated with pathogenic bacteria.

According to the agency, a physical examination of the complaint sample reveals clear indicators of date marking alteration.

NAFDAC said the manufacturing and expiry dates printed on the top pre-printed sticker do not match the underlying, originally printed dates, confirming suspicions of revalidation and tampering.

The regulator explained that SMA Gold First Infant Milk Formula is a nutritionally complete, whey-dominant formula designed to closely mirror the nutritional profile of breast milk for babies from birth to six months. 

It stressed that the product’s safety depends on strict compliance with regulatory requirements, adding that any unauthorised alteration or extension of shelf life poses serious public health risks.

NAFDAC warned that revalidating infant-formula dates constitutes a grave violation that can lead to adulteration, consumer deception, and public health harm, noting that expired formulas may harbour harmful microbes and lose essential nutrients—particularly dangerous for infants with vulnerable immune systems.

The agency disclosed that the suspected revalidated product is a Nestlé product with batch number 22939510A1206 (07:35), showing a revalidated manufacturing date of January 20, 2025, and an expiry date of January 20, 2027.

However, investigations reveal the original manufacturing date as May 28, 2023, with an original expiry date of May 28, 2025, and NAFDAC Registration Number B1-2783.

Reaffirming its mandate, NAFDAC said that it remains committed to safeguarding public health and will continue nationwide surveillance to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of regulated products in circulation. 

The agency added that all zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to intensify surveillance and mop up the suspected revalidated product wherever it is found.

NAFDAC advised distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers to exercise heightened vigilance across the supply chain to prevent the distribution, sale, or use of the affected product. 

Consumers are also urged to obtain packaged foods and medical products only from authorised suppliers and to carefully verify authenticity and physical condition before use.

Healthcare professionals and members of the public are encouraged to report any suspected sale of substandard or falsified products to the nearest NAFDAC office, call 0800-162-3322, or email sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.