NAFDAC Alerts Public to Tampered Infant Formula in Kaduna

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued an urgent public warning over a counterfeit batch of SMA Gold First Infant Milk Formula discovered in Kaduna State.

In a public alert released on Sunday, the agency stated that a 900g tin of the product, bearing batch number 22939510A1206, was found on sale with a falsified expiry date. While the product displays a legitimate NAFDAC registration number, investigators discovered that the original manufacturing date of 20-1-2025 had been tampered with to show a false expiry date of 20-1-2027.

According to NAFDAC, the alert follows a report that the product caused gastrointestinal distress in a four-month-old infant after consumption.

“Physical examination of the complaint product sample revealed clear indicators of date marking alteration,” the agency stated. “The manufacturing and expiry date on the top preprinted sticker was inconsistent with the underlying, originally printed version. This confirms the suspicion of revalidation and tampering.”

The agency explained that SMA Gold Infant Formula is a whey-dominant product designed to closely resemble the nutritional composition of breast milk for babies up to six months old. It stressed that any unauthorised alteration of a product’s shelf life compromises its safety and could pose serious health risks to infants.

NAFDAC warned that expired infant formula may harbour microbial contamination and suffer from nutrient degradation, which can be particularly dangerous for babies with developing immune systems.

In response to the discovery, the agency has directed its zonal directors and state coordinators across the country to intensify surveillance and remove the tampered product from circulation.

Distributors, retailers, and healthcare professionals have been advised to verify the authenticity of products, source them only from licensed suppliers, and report any suspicious items to the authorities.

Members of the public who have purchased the product or experienced adverse reactions are encouraged to report the incident to the nearest NAFDAC office, via the Med-Safety app, through the E-reporting platform on the NAFDAC website, or by email to pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.

NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring that all regulated products in Nigeria meet the required standards of safety and quality.