The National Agency for Food & Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reassured Nigerians that the Nestle infant formulas approved for distribution in the country are safe, despite the voluntary recall announced by Nestle UK.
The agency made this clarification in a statement it issued on Monday by the Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye.
Similarly, Nestle Nigeria has also clarified that the infant formula sold by the good food company is not part of the voluntary and precautionary recall of specific batches of infant formula announced in some countries.
Corporate Affairs Manager, Nestle Nigeria PLC, Toju Egbebi, in a statement emphasized that the Nestlé Infant Formula products sold by Nestlé Nigeria and officially registered with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) are not affected by the recall.
According to Adeyeye, “The recall relates to certain batches of SMA Infant Formula and Follow on Formula distributed in the United Kingdom and in excess of 50 countries worldwide, and does not relate to any products notified or sold in Nigeria.”
Adeyeye stated that the agency withdrew the affected batches from the UK market as a preemptive measure because the products could contain the cereulide heat-resistant toxin, which is a product of certain strains of the bacteria Bacillus cereus, and the symptoms include nausea and vomiting. The agency clarified that the products have not been inspected and authorized for circulation in the Nigerian market.
She also clarified that SMA Infant Formula products found in the country consist of the following, which are duly registered with the agency: “SMA GOLD 1, NAFDAC Reg. No. B1-278; SMA GOLD 2, NAFDAC Reg. No. B1-2780; SMA GOLD 3, NAFDAC Reg. No. B1-2781; SMA GOLD Senior, NAFDAC Reg. No. B1-2784.
“The SMA and NAN series of products manufactured specifically for the Nigerian market are not included in the recalled products,” said the agency, adding that it has performed due verifications to ensure that products sold locally meet specified safety and quality standards.
Adeyeye stated that the public notice was released out of health considerations and as the agency is charged with the responsibility of keeping Nigerians informed about the latest issues regarding the health and safety of food consumed globally. Meanwhile, the agency encouraged the public to avoid importing any infant formula product that is not registered with the agency.
The regulatory agency reaffirmed its commitment to exercising strict control over infant nutrition products via product registration, surveillance, and post-marketing surveillance.
Reiterating its commitment to public health, especially infant health, she encouraged the public to seek credible health information from the agency only.
Nigerians were also encouraged to destroy any recalled product that might come their way and inform the nearest NAFDAC office or by calling the toll-free number 0800-162-3322, should they suspect such product sales. Adverse events associated with food and/or drug products can also be submitted online by using NAFDAC’s online platforms.
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