The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has moved to allay public concerns following a voluntary global recall by Nestlé UK of its SMA Infant Formula in over 50 countries over the possible presence of cereulide, a toxin.
In a statement issued by the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, the agency reassured Nigerians that all Nestlé Infant Formula products approved for sale in the country are safe and unaffected by the recall.
“Agency wishes to reassure the public, healthcare professionals, relevant stakeholders, particularly parents, guardians and caregivers, that all Nestlé Infant Formulae currently approved for marketing in Nigeria are safe for consumption and are not part of the recall,” the statement read.
NAFDAC explained that the recall in the affected countries was linked to the potential presence of cereulide in certain UK batches, noting that the toxin can cause nausea and vomiting when ingested. Cereulide, the agency added, is a highly heat-resistant toxin produced by specific strains of the bacterium Bacillus cereus.
The agency clarified that the SMA range available in Nigeria is manufactured at the Nestlé Tuas Factory in Singapore and is properly registered with NAFDAC.
“NAFDAC has verified and reiterates that the SMA and NAN range of infant formulae produced for the Nigerian market are not part of the affected batches involved in the voluntary and precautionary recall in other countries,” the statement said.
According to NAFDAC, the public advisory was issued purely as a precaution, in line with its mandate to keep Nigerians informed about emerging global food safety issues, even where the risk of local exposure is minimal.
The agency added that it remains vigilant, noting that risks associated with unauthorised importation, online purchases, or personal carriage of products during international travel “cannot be entirely excluded.”
NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring that only safe and regulated food products are available to consumers across the country.
