According to the agency’s safety notice, the affected product a 900g tin of SMA Gold First Infant Milk was discovered with altered manufacturing and expiry dates, suggesting that the original printed dates were tampered with and replaced. Physical inspection showed inconsistencies between the top sticker and the original date markings on the packaging, confirming suspicion of date revalidation and tampering.
NAFDAC linked the product to a case of gastrointestinal distress in a four-month-old infant after consumption, highlighting the serious health risks posed by expired or falsified baby formula. The agency warned that altering shelf-life information can mislead consumers about product freshness and safety, putting vulnerable infants at risk of issues such as microbial contamination, malnutrition, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and secondary infections.
The suspected tampered batch carries the batch number 22939510A1206, with an allegedly extended expiry date of January 20, 2027, but underlying markings indicate the original dates were earlier, raising concerns about misrepresentation. The product also bears NAFDAC registration number B1-2783 and is manufactured by Nestlé for the Nigerian market.
In response to the discovery, NAFDAC has directed its zonal directors and state coordinators nationwide to intensify surveillance and remove the revalidated product wherever found. Consumers, retailers, distributors, and caregivers were urged to obtain infant formula only from licensed and reputable suppliers, verify packaging authenticity, and report any suspicious or substandard products.
NAFDAC also encouraged the public to report adverse reactions or suspected sale of falsified items through its official channels, including the Med-Safety app, the agency’s e-reporting portal, or direct visits to the nearest NAFDAC office.
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