Nestlé Nigeria Plc has reassured parents that its infant formula products sold locally remain safe and unaffected by a worldwide precautionary recall of specific batches announced by its parent company.
In a statement released on Friday from Corporate Affairs Manager, Toju Egbebi, the firm clarified that the recall targets batches of brands like SMA, NAN, BEBA, and Alfamino sold outside Nigeria due to potential cereulide contamination, a toxin linked to nausea and vomiting.
“Infant formula sold by Nestlé Nigeria is not part of the voluntary and precautionary recall of specific batches announced in some countries.”
Local products, including SMA Gold 1, 2, and 3, plus NAN Optipro 1, 2, and 3 — all registered with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) — meeting all safety standards, the company emphasized.
Nestlé initiated the recall on the 5th of January as a precaution with no confirmed illnesses tied to the products.
“The safety and well-being of babies is our absolute priority,” the company said on its website, noting batches originated from sites like the Netherlands and Switzerland.
Expert Warnings and Calls for Clarity
Paediatrician Ayodele Renner, known as the Noisy Naija Paediatrician, warned that cereulide-induced vomiting risks severe dehydration in infants, potentially leading to shock from just 10% fluid loss.
He noted all Nigerian formulas are imported via official channels, parallels, or travelers. He further urged users to check NAFDAC numbers, batch details, and Nestlé’s sites.
Mr Renner called on NAFDAC for timely communication to ease parental concerns, stressing the agency’s role in public protection.
“NAFDAC has a responsibility to protect the public, but it also needs to ensure accuracy.
“That said, parents are concerned and asking questions, and timely communication would be helpful.”