NAFDAC addresses concerns over NESTLE products in Nigeria

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has stated that the infant formulas produced by Nestle, a multinational food and beverage company in Nigeria, are safe for consumption.

This information was included in a statement released on Wednesday and shared with Newslodgeby the agency’s Director General, Moji Adeyeye, who is a professor.

In the statement, the regulatory body emphasized that products from the company undergo thorough evaluation before being distributed to any part of the country.

This announcement comes as a response to the earlier inquiry made by Newslodgeregarding the issue.

Background

An investigation conducted by Public Eye, a Swiss investigative organization, in collaboration with the International Baby Food Action Network, revealed that Nestle added sugar and honey to infant milk and cereal products sold in Nigeria and other countries.

According to the report, samples of Nestle’s baby food products sold in Asia, Africa, and Latin America were sent to Belgium for laboratory testing.

Traces of sugar, such as sucrose or honey, were found in samples of Cerelac and Nido, products intended for children between six months and two years old and infants at least one-year-old, respectively.

Support PREMIUM TIMES’ journalism of integrity and credibility

At Premium Times, we firmly believe in the importance of high-quality journalism. Recognizing that not everyone can afford costly news subscriptions, we are dedicated to delivering meticulously researched, fact-checked news that remains freely accessible to all.

It’s essential to acknowledge that news production incurs expenses, and we take pride in never placing our stories behind a prohibitive paywall.

Would you consider supporting us with a modest contribution on a monthly basis? Your support helps us maintain our commitment to providing free, accessible news.

Support Now
x
Do this later

However, NAFDAC responded by stating, “The management of NAFDAC wishes to reassure the public that the agency exercises due regulatory diligence in the registration of infant and young children foods distributed and used in Nigeria in line with relevant international food standards.”

Nido not in Nigeria

NAFDAC clarified that Nido, the follow-up milk formula by Nestle, is not registered in Nigeria and is not available in the country’s market. They mentioned that Cerelac products are duly registered with NAFDAC in Nigeria.

NAFDAC stressed the importance of adequate nutrition during infancy and early childhood for the growth, health, and development of children. Measures are in place to monitor and enforce compliance with national and international regulations.

Nestle Nigeria also denies

Nestle Nigeria, a subsidiary of Nestle, responded to the publication by denying the addition of sugar to its products sold in Nigeria. They affirmed compliance with global guidelines for infant formulas and highlighted their alignment with international and local guidelines.

Nestle Nigeria clarified that their baby formulas for children 0-12 in Nigeria do not contain added sugar. Their products are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to combat malnutrition.