The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted the public to the circulation of tampered SMA Gold First Infant Milk Formula in Kaduna State. This warning was issued through Public Alert No. 06/2026 on Sunday, highlighting the dangers of consuming a product that bears a misleading expiry date. A sample of the formula, which is typically manufactured by Nestlé, showed signs of manipulation, with the expiry date fraudulently extended from January 2025 to January 2027.

The concern escalated after reports emerged that the tampered formula allegedly caused gastrointestinal distress in an infant following its consumption. Upon closer examination, NAFDAC found discrepancies between the manufacturing and expiry dates preprinted on the packaging, which indicated alterations consistent with revalidation attempts. This indicates a broader issue of food safety and regulatory challenges in ensuring that products sold in the market are legitimate.

NAFDAC's discovery raises critical concerns about the safety of food products available to consumers in Nigeria, particularly for vulnerable populations such as infants. This incident underlines the importance of vigilance when purchasing baby formula and the necessity for stringent enforcement of food safety regulations to protect public health. The agency's findings emphasize the ongoing risks posed by counterfeit and altered products in the market, prompting calls for increased scrutiny and consumer awareness regarding food safety practices in Nigeria.