According to the agency, the product was discovered with altered expiry dates and linked to gastrointestinal distress in a four-month-old infant after consumption. NAFDAC noted that such tampered formulas may lead to acute gastroenteritis, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, malnutrition, secondary infections, and, in severe cases, potentially fatal outcomes for infants.
Brandspur Health News reports that a physical inspection of the suspect batch revealed inconsistencies between the printed manufacture and expiry dates on the top sticker versus the original underlying print, confirming suspicions of revalidation and tampering. The affected batch, produced by Nestlé, bears batch number 22939510A1206 07:35, with a revalidated manufacture date of January 20, 2025, and expiry of January 20, 2027. NAFDAC’s investigation indicates the original manufacture date was May 28, 2023, and the original expiry May 28, 2025, registered under NAFDAC Reg. No B1-2783.
The agency emphasised that SMA Gold Infant Formula is designed as a nutritionally complete, whey-dominant product to mirror breast milk for babies from birth to six months. Any unauthorised date revalidation poses significant health risks due to potential nutrient loss and microbial contamination.
NAFDAC has directed all zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify surveillance and remove any affected products from circulation. Distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers are urged to verify product authenticity, obtain items only from authorised suppliers, and report any suspected substandard or falsified products via NAFDAC’s hotline at 0800-162-3322 or email sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health and maintaining strict quality control across all regulated products in Nigeria.
