The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert following reports that Chad has banned Bledine Infant Cereals over contamination concerns.
The affected products, manufactured by Danone Group, a French multinational food and beverage company, include:
- Bledine Céréales Saveur Biscuit
- Bledine Saveur Biscuit & Lait
- Bledine Miel & Lait
- Bledine Banane & Lait
The cereals in question have expiry dates ranging from September 2026 to March 2027.
Chadian authorities reportedly banned the products because they failed to meet European safety standards for Aflatoxin B1, a carcinogenic toxin found in certain agricultural products. NAFDAC noted that affected batches are already circulating in Nigeria, particularly in border communities adjacent to Chad.
The agency warned that Aflatoxin B1 is a potent carcinogen and immunotoxin, capable of causing serious immune system disorders in infants and young children.
NAFDAC has directed all zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify market surveillance and remove any affected products found in their locations. This includes checks in retail shops, informal markets, and distribution channels receiving goods through Nigeria’s border communities.
The agency also advised healthcare professionals, distributors, retailers, and caregivers to exercise caution, verify the authenticity and physical condition of all infant food products, and ensure purchases are made only from licensed suppliers. Consumers and health workers are encouraged to report any adverse reactions or suspected side effects linked to the contaminated products.
