The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has issued an urgent alert about selected batches of Aptamil and Cow and Gate infant formulas that were recalled abroad due to possible contamination.
According to a notice posted on its website, the agency noted that, particularly in babies, the affected items may include cereulide, a toxin produced by Bacillus cereus that can cause nausea, acute vomiting, and other foodborne illnesses.
Made in Ireland and Hungary, the recalled batches were sold across other markets, including some European ones.
NAFDAC said that since they meet Codex standards, Aptamil products manufactured exclusively for Nigeria are unaffected and remain safe.
It, however, identified several affected batches, including Aptamil 1 From Birth First Infant Milk 800g with an expiration date of October 31, 2026, and numerous Cow & Gate varieties with expiry dates running well into early 2027.
The News Chronicle reported that the authorities have told their regional and state offices to increase market monitoring and quickly remove any recalled or illicitly imported goods discovered in use. Also recommended to buy only from approved sources and check NAFDAC registration numbers for carers and medical professionals.
The warning comes amid broader agency enforcement that has recently uncovered counterfeit medications and destroyed expired medical supplies worth billions of naira in various national actions aimed at protecting public health.
