Lagos: The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted the public about a suspected revalidated batch of SMA Gold First Infant Milk Formula (900 grams) being sold in Kaduna State.
NAFDAC, on its official X handle, said the suspected product was found with altered expiry dates. It was linked to infant gastrointestinal distress in a four-month-old after consumption.
The agency said the infant’s diarrhoea case points to likely product deterioration. This risks acute gastroenteritis, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance in infants.
Other risks include malnutrition due to compromised nutritional intake and secondary infections in immunocompromised infants. Fatal outcomes could occur if the product contains pathogenic bacteria.
According to the agency, when they examined the sample, they found clear signs that the date had been altered.
The manufacturing and expiry dates on the top sticker were inconsistent with those on the originally printed version underneath. This confirms suspicions of revalidation and tampering.
The agency explained that SMA Gold Infant Formula is a complete baby formula designed to mimic breast milk for babies from birth to six months.
The product’s integrity depends on compliance with regulatory requirements. Any alteration or extension of shelf life without approval poses health risks.
The regulatory body warns that revalidating infant‑formula dates is a serious violation that risks adulteration, consumer deception, and public health harm.
It added that expired formulas can harbour microbes and lose nutrients. These endanger infants with weak immune systems.
NAFDAC said the batch of SMA Gold formula in question is from Nestle, with batch number (22939510A1206 07:35), and it has a changed manufacturing date of Jan. 20, 2025 and an expiry date of Jan. 20, 2027.
Cy’s investigation showed the original manufacturing date was May 28, 2023. The original expiration date was May 28, 2025, with NAFDAC Reg. No B1-2783.
The agency says it remains committed to protecting public health. It will continue surveillance activities to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of all NAFDAC-regulated products in Nigeria.
It added that all NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to conduct surveillance and mop up the revalidated product if found within their zones and states.
The agency, NAFDAC, told sellers, health workers, and caregivers to be careful not to buy, sell, or use this milk formula.
It advised that all packaged food and medical products be obtained from authorised suppliers, and that their authenticity and physical condition be carefully checked.
Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of the sale of substandard or falsified regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office, call NAFDAC at 0800-162-3322, or email sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
