NAFDAC Issues Urgent Warning Over Suspected Tampered SMA Gold Infant Formula in Kaduna After Baby Falls Ill

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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued an urgent public health alert following the discovery of a suspected tampered batch of SMA Gold First Infant Milk Formula (900g) circulating in Kaduna State.

In Public Alert No. 06/2026, the agency revealed that the product was linked to gastrointestinal distress in a four-month-old infant shortly after consumption. Reported symptoms included diarrhea, prompting concerns about possible acute gastroenteritis, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and reduced nutritional value due to a falsified expiry date.

According to NAFDAC, forensic examination confirmed that the expiry date on the affected tin had been deliberately altered — a practice known as “revalidation” — to extend the product’s apparent shelf life. Investigators found that the expiry date sticker placed on top of the container did not match the original printed date beneath it, indicating clear evidence of tampering.

The affected product details are as follows:

• Product Name: SMA Gold First Infant Milk Formula (900g tin)
• Batch Number: 22939510A1206 07:35
• Stated Manufacturing Date: 20 January 2025
• Falsified Expiry Date: 20 January 2027
• NAFDAC Registration Number: B1-2783

NAFDAC clarified that while the registration number corresponds to a genuine product manufactured for the Nigerian market, the specific batch identified shows signs of manipulation. Authentic and properly stored SMA Gold formula remains safe for use, but any tampered or counterfeit product poses serious health risks to infants.

The agency has directed distributors, retailers, healthcare facilities, and parents to immediately stop selling, distributing, or using any SMA Gold 900g tin matching the listed batch number. Members of the public are urged to carefully inspect products for mismatched or suspicious expiry markings and report any suspected cases to the nearest NAFDAC office.

Consumers can reach NAFDAC through its toll-free helpline 0800-1-NAFDAC (0800-1-623322), WhatsApp 0909-763-3636, or via email at [email protected]. Parents are also advised to consult qualified healthcare professionals before feeding infants with formula products and to seek medical attention promptly if any adverse reactions occur.

The alert has been published on NAFDAC’s official website and shared via its verified communication channels. Major Nigerian news platforms, including Premium Times, The Punch, Vanguard, and The Guardian, have also reported the development.

NAFDAC emphasized that the warning is targeted at a specific identified batch and does not constitute a nationwide recall of all SMA Gold products. Surveillance and monitoring efforts are ongoing to prevent further circulation of potentially adulterated infant formula.

Health authorities stress that protecting infants from unsafe or counterfeit food products remains a top priority and encourage swift reporting to safeguard public health.