The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians to the circulation of fake and unregistered Cerelac Mixed Fruit and Wheat products in the country.

NAFDAC, on its X handle on Tuesday, disclosed that Nestle Nigeria Plc, the genuine Marketing Authorisation Holder (MAH) of the product, received a complaint of a suspected counterfeit product, purportedly manufactured by Nestlé Spain, bearing Batch Code 308002910.

According to NAFDAC, the complainant reported that the fake product emitted an unusual odour suggestive of possible contact with fuel.

NAFDAC said that a preliminary review of the product by Nestle Nigeria indicated that it had expired, despite the container displaying an expiry date of 10-2026, suggesting that the date coding had been tampered with.

NAFDAC said that its Post Marketing Surveillance (PMS) Directorate Officers in Lagos conducted a surveillance visit to Maxland Shopping Centre, 193 Ago Palace, Okota, where the product was purchased by the complainant.

It added that the suspected counterfeit and unregistered Cerelac were found on sale at the premises and subsequently mopped up, while Nestle assisted in identifying the distinguishing features between registered and unregistered product.

According to the regulatory agency, Nestle revealed that the unregistered product used a hyphen (-) to separate the day from the year, whereas the registered product used a slash (/).

“It is important to note that Nestle Nigeria is not aware of the channels through which the products are supplied into the country.

“Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of the sale of substandard and falsified regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office, call 0800-162-3322, or send an email to sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng,” NAFDAC said.

The agency warned that counterfeit formula often lacked essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals, leading to stunted growth or developmental issues.

It said that such a a formula might also contain contaminants that could lead to severe health consequences for infants or even death.

NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health, adding that it would continue surveillance activities that have been intensified nationwide.

The agency urged distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers to exercise caution and vigilance throughout the supply chain to prevent the distribution, sale, and use of counterfeit and unregistered products.