Cameroon’s National Consumer Network (RNC) — Information Notice No. 001/RNC/CAB-PDT: the Nestlé product range sent to laboratories for comprehensive testing

Cameroon’s National Consumer Network (RNC): Information Notice No. 001/RNC/CAB-PDT of 8 October 2025.

The Nestlé product range sent to laboratories for comprehensive testing

Cameroon’s National Consumer Network (RNC) informs national and international public opinion that on 26 September 2025, the Minister of Public Health, through Statement No. D13-348, ordered the immediate precautionary withdrawal of all batches of the BLEDINE brand following the detection of aflatoxins in certain batches, with reports of international recalls of some BLEDINE infant food products. On 30 September 2025, through Statement No. D13-351, the Minister of Public Health again ordered the precautionary withdrawal of NIDO FORTI CHOCO MILK — milk powder with cocoa powder — in 30-gram sachets, following a finding of non-conformity.

In response, Cameroon’s National Consumer Network (RNC), an organisation protecting consumers’ rights and interests and an active civil society participant, immediately purchased around ten products from the NESTLÉ range for laboratory testing. It acted in accordance with its statutory responsibilities and Law No. 64/LF/23 of 13 November 1964 on public health protection in Cameroon; Framework Law No. 2011/012 of 6 May 2011 on consumer protection in Cameroon; Framework Law No. 2018-020 of 11 December 2018 on food safety in Cameroon; and CEMAC Directive No. 02/19 harmonising consumer protection in CEMAC member states. The aim is to reassure the consumer community about the actual situation and clarify an issue that could have serious, even irreversible consequences for many consumers’ lives in Cameroon and throughout CEMAC.

During our investigations, our initial observations concerned the wide variety of NESTLÉ products, particularly NESTLÉ NIDO variants whose wording on tins or sachets raises questions, curiosity and even concerns, including:

• NIDO instant fortified dairy compound powder in a 350 g sachet.
• NESTLÉ NIDO FORTIGROW modified and sweetened milk powder in an 800 g tin.
• NESTLÉ NIDO modified and sweetened milk powder in a 900 g tin.
• NESTLÉ NIDO 1+ growing-up milk in 400 g and 900 g tins.
• NESTLÉ NIDO modified sweetened milk powder, “new look”, in a 400 g tin.
• Instant whole milk powder in a 2,500 g tin.
• NESTLÉ NIDO FORTI CHOCO milk powder with cocoa powder in a 30 g sachet.
• NESTLÉ NIDO fortified dairy compound powder in a 20 g sachet.
• NESTLÉ NIDO instant fortified dairy compound powder in a 12 g sachet.

To make the investigation fully comprehensive, Cameroon’s National Consumer Network (RNC) has also obtained equivalent products from the NESTLÉ range produced and sold in Europe, to subject them to tests similar to those planned for products purchased in the Cameroonian market. This COMPARATIVE STUDY aims to determine whether NESTLÉ products sold in Cameroon are identical to those sold in the European Union, or otherwise establish the differences and make the results public for all relevant purposes.

CAMEROON’S NATIONAL CONSUMER NETWORK (RNC): TOGETHER, LET US ACT!

Issued in Douala, 8 October 2025.

Signed: National Executive President

Francis Hervé EYALLA SABA

Copies to

• MINETAT/SGPR
• MINDCC/PRC
• SGPM
• MINSANTE
• MINMIDT
• MINCOMMERCE
• SED/CGN
• DGSN
• DST
• DGRE
• PDT/CONACO
• PDT/CDHC
• All consumer associations
• All media

Annexes: Cameroon’s National Consumer Network (RNC) — risks associated with modified and sweetened milk powder

Modified and sweetened milk powder may present several health risks, including:

• Excess sugar: sweetened milk powder may contain high amounts of added sugar, which may contribute to obesity and weight problems, tooth decay, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
• Nutrient changes: the process of modifying milk powder may alter its nutritional composition, potentially resulting in deficiencies in certain essential nutrients.
• Additives and preservatives: some modified and sweetened milk powders may contain artificial additives and preservatives that can have negative effects on health.
• Digestive effects: modified and sweetened milk powder may be difficult for some people to digest, leading to problems such as bloating, gas and diarrhoea.

Advice for safer consumption

• Read labels: it is essential to read labels carefully to understand the ingredients and nutritional values of modified and sweetened milk powder.
• Choose more natural options: opting for less processed milk powders without artificial additives may be a better choice.
• Consume in moderation: modified and sweetened milk powder should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

The risks associated with modified and sweetened milk powder may vary depending on the ingredients and production methods used. It is therefore essential to make informed decisions and consult health professionals where necessary.