Zambia Not Affected by Nestlé NAN Infant Formula Recall – Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health has clarified that Zambia is not affected by the reported recall of Nestlé NAN infant formula linked to potential toxin contamination, following reports circulating on social and international media.
In an official statement issued by the Ministry of Health spokesperson, Ms Georgia Mutale Chimombo, the Ministry said it is aware of reports concerning a recall of NAN Special Pro 0–12 months infant formula due to possible contamination with cereulide, a toxin produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus. However, authorities have confirmed that Zambia is not among the countries that imported the affected product.
The Ministry explained that, under the Food Safety Act No. 7 of 2019, it is mandated to protect the public from health hazards and fraudulent practices related to the production, sale and use of food. Section 13 of the Act prohibits the sale of food products that do not meet established food safety standards.
Following the reports, the Ministry, through its Food Safety Surveillance System under the Department of Public Health, engaged official international notification channels, including food safety authorities in South Africa, to verify whether the affected infant formula had been imported into Zambia.
“The findings indicate that Zambia is not listed among the importing countries of the infant formula in question,” Ms Chimombo said.
Despite this assurance, the Ministry has provided product details to assist the public and inspectors with identification should the product be encountered. The affected product is NAN Special Pro 0–12 months, produced in Germany for the South African market, packaged in 800-gramme tins, with batch number 51660742F3, a best-before date of 15 December 2026, and a manufacturing date of 15 June 2025.
The Ministry has directed food safety inspectors across the country to strengthen surveillance, remove any non-compliant products from the market, and take legal action where necessary. This directive applies to all food products, including those labelled in languages other than English.
Members of the public have been urged to rely on official Government communication and to report immediately to the nearest District Health Office or local council public health department if they come across any product matching the listed details.
Ms Chimombo reassured the public that continued measures are in place to safeguard food safety across the country.
