• The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has initiated the recall of selected Aptamil and Cow & Gate batches after potential cereulide contamination
• The affected batches were manufactured in Ireland and Hungary, and distributed across the European Union and the United Kingdom
• Nigerian-approved Aptamil products remain safe, and NAFDAC has blocked affected batches in local warehouses and begun laboratory testing

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced a precautionary recall of selected batches of Aptamil and Cow & Gate infant formula products following concerns about possible contamination with cereulide, a toxin produced by Bacillus cereus.

The agency disclosed this in a notice on its website on Wednesday, February 25, stating that the recall was initiated by Danone Nutricia after detection of a potential contamination risk. 

Cereulide, the toxin in question, is linked to foodborne illness and may cause symptoms such as nausea and severe vomiting.

NAFDAC warned that exposure to toxins in infant and follow-on formulas could pose health risks, particularly for infants and young children. These risks include gastrointestinal disturbances, possible growth and developmental issues, and other toxicological effects.

The affected batches were manufactured in Ireland and Hungary, and distributed across the European Union, the United Kingdom, and other regions.

Products recalled

Among the recalled items is Aptamil 1 From Birth First Infant Milk (800g) with an expiry date of 31 October 2026.

Other affected batches of Aptamil 1 First Infant Milk include 800g packs with best-before dates ranging from 9 July 2026 to 4 December 2026; 700g packs dated from 22 August 2026 to 26 November 2026; and 1.2kg Big Pack variants with dates from 14 August 2026 to 25 December 2026.

The recall also includes Aptamil 1 “Hungry” 800g packs with dates from 4 July 2026 to 24 February 2027 and pre-measured tablet forms of Aptamil 1 First Infant Milk with all dates up to and including 17 January 2027.

For Aptamil 2 Follow-On Milk, the affected products are 800g packs dated from 18 June 2026 to 4 January 2027; 700g packs dated from 5 August 2026 to 20 February 2027; and 1.2kg Big Pack variants with dates from 23 July 2026 to 13 January 2027. Pre-measured tablet versions of Aptamil 2 Follow-On Milk up to 17 January 2027 are also included.

Several Cow & Gate products were likewise recalled, including:

• Cow & Gate 1 First Infant Milk (700g) dated 31 July 2026 to 31 January 2027
• 800g packs dated 11 June 2026 to 25 January 2027
• 600g packs dated 12 August 2026 to 16 January 2027
• 1.2kg Big Pack variants dated 11 July 2026 to 20 February 2027
• Cow & Gate 1 First Infant Milk “Hungry” 800g packs dated 31 July 2026 to 23 February 2027
• Cow & Gate Anti-Reflux 800g packs dated 7 June 2026 to 18 February 2027

Nigerian market unaffected

NAFDAC clarified that the recall does not affect Aptamil infant formula products produced specifically for Nigeria, which comply with Codex standards and are considered safe for consumption.

Registered products approved for the Nigerian market include:

• Aptamil Nutribiotik 1 (800g and 400g), registration number D1-7392
• Aptamil Nutribiotik 2 (800g and 400g), registration number D1-7396
• AptaJunior Nutribiotik 3 (800g and 400g), registration number D1-7397

The agency cautioned that any Aptamil product lacking a valid NAFDAC registration number and proper product information should be regarded as illegal in Nigeria. 

It also stated that the company has proactively blocked the affected products in its Nigerian warehouse and commenced laboratory analysis.

The agency disclosed that further updates will be provided as necessary. 

Meanwhile, NAFDAC has activated zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and identify recalled batches or illegally imported products in circulation. 

Parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals are urged to purchase infant formula only from authorised sources and verify registration details before purchase. 

Consumers are also encouraged to report suspected unregistered products or adverse health events related to the formulas to the nearest NAFDAC office or through official reporting platforms.