The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public warning over the circulation of Bledine Infant Cereals, manufactured by French multinational Danone Group, after reports that the products contain a potent cancer-causing substance.
The alert follows a report that the Chadian authorities have banned the use, distribution, and sale of the product due to non-compliance with European standards for Aflatoxin B1, the potent cancer-causing substance.
NAFDAC, in a public alert warned that the affected products are circulating in Nigeria, particularly in border communities with Chad, raising significant public health concerns.
“The use of the banned product presents significant health risks, exposing infants and young children to the potent carcinogen Aflatoxin B1. Aflatoxin B1 is recognized as an immunotoxin agent that leads to various immune system disorders”, NAFDAC warned.
The implicated products include Bledine Cereals Saveur Biscuit, Bledine Saveur Biscuit & Lait, Bledine Miel & Lait, and Bledine Banane & Lait, with expiry dates from September 2026 to March 2027.
NAFDAC has directed its zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and remove any affected products within their respective zones and states.
The agency also urged distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers to exercise caution and ensure vigilance throughout the supply chain to prevent the distribution, sale, and use of the implicated product.
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“It is essential to obtain all medical products from authorised and licensed suppliers. Additionally, the authenticity and physical condition of the products should be carefully verified.
“Healthcare providers and consumers are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of the implicated product to the nearest NAFDAC office, or through the use of the E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website www.nafdac.gov.ng or via the Med-safety application available for download on android and IOS stores or via e-mail on pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng”, the agency urged.
