NAFDAC Alerts Nigerians on Revalidated SMA Gold Formula in Kaduna

NAFDAC has alerted the public after a batch of SMA Gold formula with tampered expiry dates was linked to a baby’s illness in Kaduna. Caregivers and retailers are urged to verify products before use.

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

In a notice released on Sunday, the agency said the 900-gram infant formula was found with altered expiry information. The alert follows a complaint linked to a four-month-old baby who developed diarrhea after consuming the product.

NAFDAC said preliminary findings point to possible product deterioration, raising concerns about infant safety.

NAFDAC Alerts Nigerians on Revalidated SMA Gold Formula After Tampering Detected

According to the agency, examination of the sample revealed discrepancies in the date markings. Officials reported that a preprinted sticker displaying the manufacturing and expiry dates did not match the original information beneath it.

The altered label showed a manufacturing date of January 20, 2025, and an expiry date of January 20, 2027. However, NAFDAC’s investigation found that the original production date was May 28, 2023, with an expiry date of May 28, 2025.

The affected product carries batch number 22939510A1206 07:35 and NAFDAC Registration Number B1-2783.

SMA-GOLD with date visibly revalidated credit NAFDAC

SMA-GOLD with untampered exhibit Credit NAFDAC

SMA-GOLD opened to see the underlying information. Credit NAFDAC

SMA Gold First Infant Milk Formula is produced by Nestlé and is intended for babies from birth to six months. The formula is designed to provide complete nutrition when breastfeeding is not possible.

Health officials warned that altering shelf-life information on infant formula can expose babies to serious medical risks. Expired or improperly stored formula may lose nutritional value or become contaminated with harmful microorganisms.

NAFDAC noted that infants are particularly vulnerable to infections, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance. In severe situations, contaminated formula can lead to life-threatening complications.

The agency described the act of revalidating expired food products as a violation of safety regulations and consumer protection laws.

All zonal directors and state coordinators have been instructed to intensify surveillance and remove any affected SMA Gold formula from circulation.

Distributors, retailers, healthcare providers, and caregivers have been urged to check stock carefully and avoid purchasing products from unauthorized sources.

NAFDAC advised the public to inspect packaging for irregularities and to verify expiry dates before purchase. Suspected cases of falsified or substandard products should be reported to the nearest NAFDAC office. Consumers can also contact the agency via its toll-free number, 0800-162-3322, or email sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.

The NAFDAC alert on the revalidated SMA Gold formula highlights growing concerns over product tampering in Nigeria’s food supply chain. With infant nutrition directly tied to child survival and development, regulators say strict compliance and vigilance remain necessary to protect public health.