The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has warned Nigerians about counterfeit and unregistered Cerelac Mixed Fruits and Wheat products currently being sold in Lagos, urging heightened vigilance across the food and drug supply chain.
The agency disclosed that it received reports linked to a complaint involving a suspected counterfeit product purportedly manufactured by Nestlรฉ Spain, bearing Batch Code 308002910. The alert followed concerns raised by a complainant who noted that the product emitted an unusual odour, reportedly suggestive of possible exposure to fuel, raising further suspicion about its authenticity and safety.
According to NAFDAC, a preliminary review conducted by Nestlรฉ Nigeria, the authorised marketing holder of the product in the country, revealed inconsistencies in the productโs expiry details. Although the packaging indicated an expiry date of 10-2026, investigations suggested that the product may have expired, with indications that the date coding had been tampered with or revalidated.
NAFDAC explained that Nestlรฉ Cerelac Mixed Fruits and Wheat is an infant cereal formulated as an early nutritious food for babies, making its safety critical. The agency noted that any compromise in quality poses serious health risks, particularly for infants whose immune systems are still developing.
Following the complaint, NAFDACโs post-marketing surveillance officers in Lagos carried out an inspection at Maxland Shopping Centre located at 193 Ago Palace, Okota, where the product was reportedly purchased. During the operation, suspected counterfeit and unregistered variants of the product were discovered on sale and subsequently confiscated.
The agency stated that Nestlรฉ Nigeria assisted in identifying key distinguishing features between the registered and unregistered products. One of the differences highlighted was the method of date coding, with the unregistered product reportedly using a hyphen (-) to separate the day from the year, while the authentic product uses a slash (/) in its date format.
NAFDAC also noted that Nestlรฉ Nigeria expressed concern over the unknown supply channels through which the counterfeit products entered the Nigerian market, indicating possible gaps in border control and distribution monitoring.
The agency warned that counterfeit infant formula products are particularly dangerous, as they may lack essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals required for proper growth and development. In addition, such products may contain harmful contaminants capable of causing severe health complications, including developmental issues, illness, or in extreme cases, death.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding public health, NAFDAC stated that it will continue to intensify surveillance operations to ensure that only safe, quality and properly regulated products are available to consumers across the country. It added that all zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to carry out targeted monitoring and mop-up exercises to remove any suspected revalidated or counterfeit products from circulation.
The agency urged distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals and caregivers to exercise caution and remain vigilant, warning that the sale and consumption of counterfeit products pose serious risks to public health. It further encouraged members of the public to report any suspicious products to the nearest NAFDAC office or through its official reporting channels.
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