The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued an urgent alert to Nigerian consumers regarding several Bledine infant cereal products found to pose serious contamination risks. The warning follows growing concerns from regional authorities and recent regulatory investigations.
Why Bledine Cereals Are Under Scrutiny
NAFDAC’s advisory stems from findings that certain batches of Bledine infant cereals may be contaminated with Aflatoxin B₁, a highly toxic compound classified as both a carcinogen and an immunotoxin.
Aflatoxin B₁ is known to:
- impair immune function,
- increase long-term cancer risk, and
- pose heightened danger to infants due to their developing systems.
These concerns were amplified after regulatory authorities in Chad prohibited the sale and consumption of the cereals, prompting NAFDAC to investigate possible circulation within Nigeria — particularly in border regions.
Products Identified in the Alert
The following Bledine variants have been flagged:
- Bledine Cereals Saveur Biscuit
- Bledine Saveur Biscuit & Lait
- Bledine Miel & Lait
- Bledine Banane & Lait
Affected batches reportedly carry expiry dates ranging from September 2026 to March 2027.
NAFDAC’s Regulatory Actions
In response, NAFDAC has initiated nationwide market surveillance. Its zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to:
- inspect retail outlets, supermarkets, and informal markets,
- identify and remove affected batches, and
- enhance monitoring in border communities where unregulated imports are common.
The agency is also calling on:
- healthcare professionals,
- parents and caregivers,
- distributors and retailers
to exercise increased vigilance. Consumers are urged to check product labels carefully and ensure purchase only from authorized vendors.
What Parents and Caregivers Should Do
If you have purchased Bledine cereals recently, here are essential steps to take:
1. Verify the Product
Check the product name and expiry date against the items listed above. Do not feed any suspect product to an infant.
2. Report Concerns
If you encounter questionable products or notice adverse effects after consumption, promptly report to NAFDAC via its:
- reporting portals,
- mobile app, or
- official email.
3. Choose Safer Alternatives
Until investigations conclude, consider switching to other trusted infant cereal brands that are fully certified and widely recognized for safety.
Final Thoughts
The safety of infants must remain a top priority. Alerts such as this underscore the importance of regulated distribution channels and consumer awareness. NAFDAC’s swift action is a reminder for parents, retailers, and healthcare providers to stay informed and proactive in ensuring product safety.
References
- Telegraph Nigeria – NAFDAC cautions against Bledine infant cereals over contamination risks.
- BusinessDay – NAFDAC alerts Nigerians to circulation of cancer-causing Bledine cereals.
- PositiveNaija – Notification on prohibition of Bledine infant cereals by Chadian authorities.
- Channels TV – NAFDAC warns against Bledine infant cereals over contamination risks.
- NewsOnline NG – NAFDAC issues alert as Chad bans Bledine cereals.
- Nairametrics – NAFDAC public warning on Bledine infant cereals circulating in Nigeria.
