NAFDAC raises alert on revalidated infant formula (SMA Gold) found on sale

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is alerting healthcare providers, caregivers, and the public about a report of a suspected revalidated SMA Gold First Infant Milk Formula (900g) found for sale in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The product allegedly caused gastrointestinal distress in a 4-month-old infant following consumption.

Physical examination of the complaint product sample revealed clear indicators of date marking alteration. The manufacturing and expiry date on the top preprinted sticker was inconsistent with the underlying, originally printed version. This confirms the suspicion of revalidation and tampering.

SMA Gold Infant Formula is a nutritionally complete, whey-dominant formula designed to mirror the nutritional profile of breast milk for babies from birth to 6 months.

The integrity of the product is dependent on compliance with regulatory requirements. Any alteration or extension of the shelf life without regulatory approval poses significant risks to public health.

Potential Risks:
Date revalidation of infant formula is a critical violation and constitutes the following risks:

Product Adulteration: Alteration of date markings constitutes material misrepresentation of product quality and safety status.

Consumer Deception: False dating misleads consumers regarding product freshness and nutritional integrity.

Public Health Endangerment: Expired infant formula may harbor microbial contamination and degraded nutrients, posing serious risks to vulnerable infants whose immune systems are still developing.

Infant formula is the primary nutritional source for many babies under six months. The reported adverse event of diarrhea in a 4-month-old infant suggests potential product deterioration that could lead to serious health issues:

Acute gastroenteritis requiring hospitalization

Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance in infants

Malnutrition due to compromised nutritional content

Secondary infections in immunocompromised infants

Fatal outcomes in severe cases if contaminated with pathogenic bacteria.

Product Details
The details of the revalidated product are as follows;
Status
Revalidated
Product Name 
SMA GOLD From Birth First Infant Milk, 900g
Stated Manufacturer
Nestle
Batch 
22939510A1206  07:35
Manufactured Date 
20-1-2025
Expiring Date 
20-1-2027
Stated NAFDAC Reg. No
B1-2783