Nigeria’s drug and food regulator has warned the public about a suspected revalidated batch of infant formula being sold in Kaduna State.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said the product, SMA Gold First Infant Milk Formula (900g) was discovered with altered expiry dates and has been linked to illness in a four-month-old baby.
In a statement posted on its official X account on Sunday, the agency said the infant developed diarrhoea after consuming the formula. It warned that such cases could indicate product deterioration.
NAFDAC said consuming expired or tampered infant formula could expose babies to serious health risks, including acute gastroenteritis, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
The agency added that compromised formula may also lead to malnutrition if nutrients have degraded. In severe cases, especially where harmful bacteria are present, it could result in life-threatening complications, particularly in infants with weak immune systems.
According to the regulator, physical examination of the product showed clear signs that the expiry dates had been altered.
It said the manufacturing and expiry dates printed on a top sticker did not match the original dates printed underneath, confirming suspicion of “revalidation” a practice in which expired products are relabelled with new dates without regulatory approval.
The batch in question carries the number 22939510A1206 07:35 and was labelled with a revised manufacturing date of 20 January 2025 and expiry date of 20 January 2027.
However, NAFDAC said its investigation found the original manufacturing date was 28 May 2023, with an expiry date of 28 May 2025. The product bears NAFDAC registration number B1-2783.
NAFDAC described the revalidation of infant formula dates as a serious violation that could endanger public health and mislead consumers.
The agency directed its zonal directors and state coordinators across Nigeria to conduct surveillance and remove any affected products found in circulation.
It also advised distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals and caregivers to exercise caution and ensure products are sourced only from authorised suppliers.
Consumers and health workers have been urged to report suspected cases of substandard or falsified products to the nearest NAFDAC office, call its toll-free line, or send an email alert.
NAFDAC said it remains committed to ensuring the safety and quality of regulated products in Nigeria.
