Amanze Chinonye
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a precautionary recall of several batches of Aptamil and Cow & Gate infant formulas following potential contamination with cereulide, a toxin produced by the bacterium Bacillus ceres, Prime Business Africa reports.
Cereulide is known to cause foodborne illness, with symptoms including nausea and severe vomiting, particularly dangerous for infants and young children.
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Exposure to toxins in infant and follow-on formulas may result in gastrointestinal disturbances, growth and developmental concerns, and other toxicological effects, especially in vulnerable infants and young children.
Recalled Products
The affected products and pack sizes include:
- Aptamil 1 From Birth First Infant Milk – 800g
- Aptamil 1 First Infant Milk – 700g & 800g
- Aptamil 1 First Infant Milk Big Pack – 1.2kg
- Aptamil 1 First Infant Milk Hungry – 800g
- Aptamil 1 First Infant Milk Pre-Measured Tabs – various sizes
- Aptamil 2 Follow-On Milk – 700g, 800g, 1.2kg Big Pack
- Aptamil 2 Follow-On Milk Pre-Measured Tabs
- Cow & Gate 1 First Infant Milk – 600g, 700g, 800g, 1.2kg Big Pack, 800g Hungry
- Cow & Gate Anti-Reflux – 800g
The recalled batches were manufactured in Ireland and Hungary and distributed across the European Union, the United Kingdom, and other third countries. NAFDAC clarified that the recall does not affect Aptamil infant formula produced specifically for Nigeria, which complies with Codex standards and is safe for consumption. Aptamil infant formula and follow-on/growing-up milks are duly registered with NAFDAC for the Nigerian market.
READ ALSO : NAFDAC Shifts Focus to Distribution Networks After Counterfeit Crackdown
Agency Guidance
NAFDAC said Danone Nutricia has proactively blocked affected products at warehouses in Nigeria as a precaution and has begun laboratory analysis of the batches.
The agency is advising the public, healthcare professionals, and caregivers to:
- Avoid using any of the recalled batches.
- Check product packaging for expiry dates and batch numbers.
- Return or safely dispose of affected products.
- Report unregistered or illegally imported Aptamil and Cow & Gate products to the nearest NAFDAC office.
- Report any adverse events or side effects related to the products via NAFDAC’s e-reporting platforms or local offices.
This precautionary recall underscores NAFDAC’s commitment to ensuring the safety and quality of infant nutrition products in Nigeria, protecting the health of infants and young children nationwide.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
