NAFDAC Raises Alarm Over Fake Cerelac Mixed Fruits, Wheat in Lagos

NAFDAC Raises Alarm Over Fake Cerelac Mixed Fruits, Wheat in Lagos

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a fresh public alert warning Nigerians about the circulation of counterfeit and unregistered Cerelac products in Lagos, raising serious concerns over infant health risks.

The agency disclosed that the alert followed a complaint received by Nestlé Nigeria Plc, the official Marketing Authorisation Holder (MAH) of Cerelac in Nigeria. The complaint involved a suspicious batch of Cerelac Mixed Fruits and Wheat bearing Batch Code 308002910, allegedly manufactured by Nestlé Spain.

According to NAFDAC, the complainant reported that the product emitted a strange odour resembling fuel contamination, raising immediate red flags about its safety.

Further investigation by Nestlé Nigeria revealed that although the product displayed an expiry date of October 2026, it had in fact already expired—indicating that the date had been tampered with or revalidated, a common tactic used in the distribution of counterfeit food items.

NAFDAC’s Post Marketing Surveillance (PMS) Directorate subsequently carried out an inspection at Maxland Shopping Centre, Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos, where the product was originally purchased. During the operation, officials discovered the fake Cerelac products on sale and immediately mopped them up from circulation.

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The agency also highlighted a key distinguishing feature to help consumers identify the counterfeit product:

• Fake product: Uses a hyphen (-) in date formatting
• Original product: Uses a slash (/) in date formatting

NAFDAC noted that Nestlé Nigeria Plc is not aware of the distribution channels through which the counterfeit products entered the Nigerian market, raising further concerns about supply chain breaches.

The regulatory body warned that fake baby food products may lack essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, potentially leading to stunted growth, developmental complications, or severe health consequences, including death in extreme cases.

To curb the spread, NAFDAC has directed all its zonal directors and state coordinators nationwide to intensify surveillance and ensure the removal of any revalidated or falsified Cerelac products from circulation.

The agency also urged distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers to remain vigilant and avoid dealing in unverified products.

Consumers and healthcare workers are encouraged to report any suspicious products to the nearest NAFDAC office or through official channels, including the agency’s hotline and email reporting system.

NAFDAC reiterated its commitment to ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of regulated products, stressing that it will continue aggressive monitoring to protect public health.

NAFDAC Raises Alarm Over Fake Cerelac Mixed Fruits, Wheat in Lagos