NAFDAC Issues Recall on Danone Nutricia Infant Milk Due to Contamination Risk

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a recall for several batches of Aptamil and Cow & Gate infant milk products. This action follows concerns over potential contamination with cereulide toxin, a substance produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus. Cereulide can cause significant foodborne illnesses, including nausea and severe vomiting, posing particular risks to infants and young children.

The affected products were manufactured by Danone Nutricia in Ireland and Hungary and distributed widely across the European Union, the United Kingdom, and other international markets. However, NAFDAC has confirmed that Aptamil infant formula produced specifically for the Nigerian market is safe, meets Codex standards, and is not included in the recall.

In response to the contamination risk, Danone Nutricia has proactively blocked the distribution of these products within Nigerian warehouses and has commenced laboratory analysis to further investigate the issue. To ensure public safety, NAFDAC has activated its zonal directors and state coordinators to monitor the market closely and identify any recalled or potentially illegally imported products.

Consumers have been advised to purchase infant formula only from authorized sources and to verify NAFDAC registration numbers. Additionally, the agency encourages reporting of any suspected illegal products or adverse reactions through its offices or online reporting platforms.