NAFDAC Raises Alarm Over Toxic Baby Formula

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced a precautionary recall of select batches of Aptamil and Cow & Gate infant formula following concerns about possible contamination with cereulide, a toxin produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus.

• The recall, initiated by Danone Nutricia, affects several product lines, including:
• Aptamil 1 First Infant Milk – 700g, 800g, and 1.2kg packs, with expiry dates up to December 2026; also pre-measured tablet forms expiring up to January 2027.
• Aptamil 2 Follow-On Milk – 700g, 800g, and 1.2kg packs through February 2027; pre-measured tablets also affected.
• Cow & Gate 1 First Infant Milk – 600g, 700g, 800g, and 1.2kg packs, including “Hungry” and Anti-Reflux variants, with expiry dates through February 2027.

NAFDAC stated that the affected batches were manufactured in Ireland and Hungary and distributed across the EU, UK, and third countries. Importantly, the recall does not affect Aptamil infant formula produced specifically for Nigeria, which meets Codex standards and is considered safe for consumption. Cereulide is known to cause foodborne illness, leading to symptoms such as nausea and severe vomiting. Infants and young children are particularly vulnerable to adverse effects, including potential impacts on growth and development. The agency urged caregivers, healthcare professionals, and the public to:

• Report any suspected unregistered or illegally imported Aptamil products to the nearest NAFDAC office.
• Notify NAFDAC of any adverse events or side effects associated with the implicated products.
• Be aware that a batch of tampered SMA Gold First Infant Milk (900g) was recently found in Kaduna State, which reportedly caused gastrointestinal distress in a four-month-old baby.

NAFDAC confirmed that Danone Nutricia has proactively blocked the implicated products at Nigerian warehouses and initiated laboratory analyses to ensure public safety. The regulatory body pledged to provide updates on developments regarding the recall and safety of infant formula products in Nigeria.