The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert cautioning Nigerians against the consumption of certain Bledine infant cereals circulating in the country. The warning follows reports that similar products were banned in Chad due to contamination concerns.
NAFDAC identified the risk as Aflatoxin B1, a potent carcinogen and immunotoxin, which can be particularly harmful to infants and young children. Prolonged exposure to the toxin has been linked to liver cancer and compromised immune systems.
The agency has highlighted the following affected Bledine products:
Bledine Cereals Saveur Biscuit
Bledine Saveur Biscuit & Lait
Bledine Miel & Lait
Bledine Banane & Lait
The implicated batches have expiry dates ranging from September 2026 to March 2027.
NAFDAC has directed its zonal directors and state coordinators to immediately conduct market surveillance and remove any affected products from retail outlets, informal markets, and distribution points. Caregivers and retailers are urged to verify the authenticity of infant foods and purchase exclusively from licensed suppliers.
Consumers and healthcare professionals are encouraged to report any adverse reactions via NAFDAC offices, the Med-Safety app, or by emailing pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.
Infants, being especially vulnerable, are at heightened risk, making the alert a critical public health measure. NAFDAC continues to monitor the situation closely to prevent the circulation of contaminated products in Nigeria. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
