NAFDAC Issues Urgent Public Alert on Counterfeit Cerelac Products in Lagos
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has issued a critical public health warning regarding the circulation of counterfeit and unregistered Cerelac Mixed Fruits and Wheat products in Lagos markets. This alert follows an official complaint received by Nestle Nigeria Plc, the authorized marketer of Cerelac products in Nigeria.
Complaint Triggers Immediate Investigation
According to NAFDAC's official statement released on Tuesday, the investigation was initiated after Nestle Nigeria Plc filed a complaint regarding a suspected counterfeit product. The questionable item bore Batch Code 308002910 and was purportedly manufactured by Nestlé Spain. The complainant reported that the product emitted an unusual odour, suggesting possible contamination that could include contact with fuel or other harmful substances.
Preliminary checks conducted by Nestlé Nigeria revealed that despite displaying an expiry date of October 2026, the product had already expired. This discovery pointed to possible tampering or revalidation of the date coding on the packaging, raising serious concerns about product safety and authenticity.
Surveillance Confirms Widespread Presence in Retail Outlets
Following the initial report, NAFDAC's Post Marketing Surveillance Directorate conducted thorough inspections at retail outlets in Lagos where the counterfeit products were reportedly purchased. During these inspections, investigators confirmed the presence of suspected counterfeit and unregistered Cerelac products on sale. These items were immediately removed from circulation to prevent further distribution to consumers.
Nestlé Nigeria provided crucial assistance to investigators by identifying key differences between genuine and counterfeit products, enabling more effective detection methods during market surveillance operations.
How to Identify Counterfeit Cerelac Products
NAFDAC has provided specific guidelines to help consumers distinguish between genuine and fake Cerelac products. One of the most significant distinguishing features involves the date format on the packaging. The unregistered counterfeit products use a hyphen (-) to separate the day and year in the expiration date, while genuine Cerelac products use a slash (/) in their date coding.
The agency has emphasized that Nestlé Nigeria has no knowledge of the supply channels through which these counterfeit products entered the Nigerian market, indicating potential illegal distribution networks operating outside authorized channels.
Serious Health Risks for Infants
NAFDAC has issued a stern warning about the potential health consequences of using counterfeit infant formula products. According to the agency, fake Cerelac products may lack essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are crucial for proper infant development. This nutritional deficiency could potentially lead to stunted growth or developmental issues in infants who consume these products.
Furthermore, counterfeit infant formula may contain harmful contaminants that pose serious health risks, including the potential for fatal outcomes in vulnerable infants. The unusual odour reported in the counterfeit products suggests possible chemical contamination that could have severe health implications.
Public Advisory and Reporting Mechanisms
NAFDAC has urged healthcare professionals, distributors, retailers, and caregivers to remain extremely vigilant when purchasing or recommending Cerelac products. The agency has called on all stakeholders to report any suspected cases of counterfeit products through its designated communication channels.
The agency has directed all zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify surveillance efforts and immediately remove any counterfeit products found within their jurisdictions. This enforcement action is part of NAFDAC's ongoing commitment to safeguarding public health through continuous monitoring of regulated products nationwide.
Ongoing Enforcement and Monitoring Efforts
NAFDAC has reiterated its dedication to protecting Nigerian consumers from substandard and falsified products. The agency maintains an active surveillance system and has established multiple reporting channels for public use. Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of substandard or falsified regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office.
Alternative reporting methods include calling the dedicated hotline at 0800-162-3322 or sending an email to sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng. These reporting mechanisms are designed to facilitate quick response and intervention when counterfeit products are identified in the market.
This recent alert follows previous enforcement actions by NAFDAC, including the recent discovery of a warehouse stocked with banned, fake, and unregistered cosmetic products worth over N3 billion. The agency continues to demonstrate its commitment to product safety and regulatory enforcement across multiple consumer product categories.
