Nigerians have been informed by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) that some Aptamil and Cow & Gate newborn and follow-on milk formulae are being recalled as a precaution due to potential contamination issues. The agency posted this warning on its website as a public notice. Possible contamination with cereulide, a toxin generated by the Bacillus cereus bacteria that can cause nausea, severe vomiting, and other foodborne disorders, especially in newborns, prompted the recall.
The recalled batches of Aptamil and Cow & Gate products were supplied throughout the EU, the UK, and other countries and were produced in Ireland and Hungary, according to NAFDAC. Aptamil goods made especially for Nigeria, which adhere to Codex criteria and are safe to eat, are unaffected by the recall.
“The precautionary recall of Aptamil 1 From Birth, First Infant Milk, and Follow-on Milk formula by Danone Nutricia due to potential contamination with cereulide. Cereulide is a toxin produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus, known to cause foodborne illness, and may cause symptoms such as nausea and severe vomiting.
“Exposure to toxins in infant and follow-on formulas may result in adverse health effects, including but not limited to gastrointestinal disturbances, growth and developmental concerns, as well as other toxicological effects, especially in infants and young children,” the agency stated.
The affected batches include:
Aptamil 1 From Birth First Infant Milk – 800g, expiry 31-10-2026
Cow & Gate 1 First Infant Milk – 700g, dates 31 July 2026 to 31 January 2027
Cow & Gate 1 First Infant Milk Big Pack – 1.2kg, dates 11 July 2026 to 20 February 2027
Cow & Gate Anti-Reflux – 800g, dates 7 June 2026 to 18 February 2027
Aptamil 2 Follow-On Milk – 700g & 800g, various batch dates up to 20 February 2027. Other pre-measured and big pack variants from both brands, manufactured in Ireland and Hungary, are also included.
NAFDAC has instructed all Zonal Directors and State Coordinators to conduct monitoring, take recalled or illicit items off the market, and make sure that healthcare practitioners and caregivers only purchase formula from approved vendors.
In Nigeria, a product is deemed unlawful if it lacks the underlisted product details and registration number.
D1-7392 is Aptamil Nutribiotik 1 (First Infant Milk).
D1-7396 is Aptamil Nutribiotik 2 (Follow-On Milk 2).
D1-7397 AptaJunior Nutribiotik 3 (Growing-Up Milk 3)
Customers are asked to contact the closest NAFDAC office by email at
