NAFDAC Alert: Tampered SMA Gold Infant Formula Found in Kaduna State

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) issued Public Alert No. 06/2026 on February 22, 2026, warning parents and caregivers about a tampered batch of SMA Gold First Infant Milk Formula (900g) circulating in Kaduna State.

The alert was triggered by a consumer complaint describing severe gastrointestinal symptoms—including diarrhoea – in a four-month-old infant after consuming the product. Laboratory examination of the submitted sample confirmed deliberate date revalidation: fraudulent stickers had been overlaid on the original packaging to show later manufacturing and expiry dates, masking the true shelf-life status.

Photographic evidence released by NAFDAC clearly illustrates the tampering:

• An authentic control sample displaying factory-printed dates.

• The suspect tin bearing a pasted sticker with newer dates.

• When the sticker is lifted, the underlying original markings show inconsistencies and signs of deliberate alteration.

SMA Gold is a whey-dominant infant formula formulated to approximate the nutritional profile of breast milk. It is marketed as a complete food source for infants from birth to six months when breastfeeding is not possible or insufficient.

NAFDAC emphasized that any unauthorized extension of shelf-life through revalidation constitutes product adulteration—a serious offence under Nigerian food-safety legislation. Once past their genuine expiry, powdered infant formulas can become unsafe due to:

• Microbial growth: Potential contamination with pathogens such as Salmonella, Cronobacter sakazakii, or other bacteria.

• Nutritional degradation: Progressive breakdown of critical vitamins, essential fatty acids, and proteins.

• Health Risks: Increased risk of foodborne illness, acute gastroenteritis, severe dehydration, and electrolyte disturbances.

NAFDAC advised all caregivers to immediately inspect any SMA Gold 900g tins for signs of tampering, such as overlaid or mismatched date stickers and irregular adhesive residue.

The agency further recommended:

• Purchasing infant formula only from licensed pharmacies, supermarkets, or authorized distributors.

• Verifying NAFDAC registration numbers and ensuring packaging is intact.

• Reporting suspicions: Call the toll-free Green Line 0800-162-3322 or email sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.

• Reporting adverse events: Use the Med Safety App or email pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.

The Kaduna incident is part of NAFDAC’s intensified nationwide surveillance. Exclusive breastfeeding remains the recommended method for the first six months, but where formula is necessary, NAFDAC continues to monitor the supply chain to protect Nigeria’s most vulnerable consumers.