NAFDAC warns Lagos consumers of counterfeit Cerelac products, urging vigilance as fake formula may harm infants and lack essential nutrients

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted the public to counterfeit and unregistered Cerelac Mixed Fruits and Wheat products being sold in Lagos.

Also read: NAFDAC DG Mojisola Adeyeye urges investment in women, children

The warning follows a complaint to Nestle Nigeria Plc, the authorised Marketing Authorisation Holder (MAH), regarding suspected counterfeit infant cereal purportedly manufactured by Nestlé Spain, bearing Batch Code 308002910.

Nestle Nigeria reported that the product emitted an odour suggesting possible contact with fuel. Preliminary review indicated that the formula had expired despite displaying an expiry date of October 2026, suggesting the date coding had been tampered with.

Cerelac Mixed Fruits and Wheat is a nutritious infant cereal designed as a first food for babies.

NAFDAC’s Post Marketing Surveillance Directorate officers conducted a visit to Maxland Shopping Centre, 193 Ago Palace, Okota, where the product was purchased.

The counterfeit and unregistered Cerelac were found on sale and subsequently removed, with Nestle assisting in identifying distinguishing features between registered and unregistered products.

According to Nestle, unregistered products used a hyphen (-) to separate the day from the year, while genuine products used a slash (/).

The agency warned that counterfeit infant formula may lack essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals, potentially leading to stunted growth, developmental issues, or serious health risks including death.

NAFDAC reiterated its commitment to public health and said all zonal directors and state coordinators had been instructed to conduct surveillance and remove any revalidated product found within their jurisdictions.

Also read: Distillers to protest NAFDAC ban on sachet alcohol

Consumers, healthcare professionals, and retailers were urged to exercise caution and report any suspected substandard products to the nearest NAFDAC office, call 0800-162-3322, or email sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.