The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted 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.

According to the agency, the product allegedly caused gastrointestinal distress in a four-month-old infant following consumption.

It said that the 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 confirmed 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," said NAFDAC.

NAFDAC also listed the potential risks associated with such a product:

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 harbour 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 diarrhoea in a 4-month-old infant suggests potential product deterioration that could lead to serious health issues:

Acute gastroenteritis requiring hospitalisation
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

The agency said, "All NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to carry out surveillance and mop up the revalidated product if found within the zones and states.

"Distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers are hereby advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the distribution, sale, and use of the SF product. All packaged food and medical products must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked."

ASA