NAFDAC Reports Nestle’s Sugar-Coated Infant Milk Not Registered but Sold in Nigeria

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has clarified the status of infant milk and cereal products sold in Nigeria.

NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, addressed an online publication that alleged a major consumer goods company had added sugar and honey to infant milk and cereal products sold in poorer countries, contrary to international guidelines.

Adeyeye stated that the Nido infant milk formula mentioned in the publication is not registered in Nigeria and is not in circulation in the country. She also confirmed that the range of Nestlé Cerelac infant cereals distributed in Nigeria are duly registered with NAFDAC, in line with the relevant Codex Alimentarius international food standards and Nigerian Industrial Standards.

According to Adeyeye, NAFDAC exercises due regulatory diligence in the registration of infant and young children’s foods distributed and used in Nigeria. This is to ensure compliance with safety, quality, and labeling requirements, as well as to protect the health of consumers and ensure fair international food trade.

Adeyeye emphasized the importance of adequate and optimal nutrition during infancy and early childhood to ensure the growth, health, and development of children to their full potential. She stated that NAFDAC, as an active participant in the Codex Alimentarius Commission, contributes Nigeria’s positions during the development of international food standards.

The agency recently held a stakeholders’ engagement with the Association of Infant Food Manufacturers and Marketers in Nigeria to further emphasize the importance and special place of infant and young child nutrition. NAFDAC reassured the public that it is fully committed to its responsibilities of assuring the safety, wholesomeness, and quality of infant and young children’s foods offered for sale in Nigeria.