The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised an alert over a suspected revalidated SMA Gold First Infant Milk Formula found on sale in Kaduna State.
The agency said the product, a 900g pack of SMA Gold infant formula, was reported after it allegedly caused stomach problems in a four-month-old baby who consumed it.
According to NAFDAC, a physical examination of the product showed clear signs of tampering. The manufacturing and expiry dates on the sticker placed on the tin did not match the original dates printed underneath.
“This confirms our suspicion that the product was revalidated and tampered with,” the agency said.
SMA Gold Infant Formula is a nutritionally complete, whey-dominant formula meant to closely match the nutritional content of breast milk. It is designed for babies from birth to six months.
NAFDAC explained that the safety of infant formula depends strictly on compliance with regulatory requirements. Any unauthorised change to expiry dates or shelf life, the agency warned, poses serious risks to public health.
The agency said altering date markings amounts to product adulteration and misleads consumers about the safety and quality of the product.
“False dating deceives caregivers and puts infants at risk,” NAFDAC said.
The agency noted that expired infant formula may contain harmful microorganisms or degraded nutrients. This is especially dangerous for babies, whose immune systems are still developing.
NAFDAC said the reported case of diarrhoea in the four-month-old infant could be linked to product deterioration. Such cases, it warned, may lead to serious health problems including dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, malnutrition and secondary infections.
In severe situations, the agency added, contaminated infant formula could result in fatal outcomes.
NAFDAC urged healthcare professionals and members of the public to report any suspected sale of substandard or falsified regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office.
Consumers were also advised to report any adverse reactions or side effects linked to the use of the affected product.
