By Deborah Nnamdi
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised an alarm after Chad announced a ban on several Bledine Infant Cereals produced by the French food company, Danone Group, over contamination concerns.
The affected products include Bledine Cereals Saveur Biscuit, Bledine Saveur Biscuit & Lait, Bledine Miel & Lait, and Bledine Banane & Lait, with expiry dates ranging from September 2026 to March 2027.
According to NAFDAC, Chadian authorities suspended the products after they failed to meet European safety standards for Aflatoxin B1 — a dangerous carcinogenic toxin commonly found in contaminated agricultural products.
The agency warned that the banned cereals are already in circulation in Nigeria, particularly in border communities close to Chad, heightening fears about the safety of infant foods sold in local markets.
Aflatoxin B1, NAFDAC noted, is a potent carcinogen and immunotoxin capable of causing severe immune system disorders in infants and young children.
In response, NAFDAC has ordered all zonal directors and state coordinators to begin intensive market surveillance to identify and remove the affected batches. The directive covers retail outlets, open markets, and distribution channels that may receive products through border routes.
Healthcare workers, caregivers, distributors, and retailers have been urged to exercise heightened vigilance by checking the authenticity and physical condition of infant food products and buying only from authorized suppliers.
The agency further called on consumers and health professionals to report any adverse reactions or suspected side effects linked to the products.
