The skin reaction on the body of Mr. Deng's infant daughter. Deng recently returned from Nairobi, Kenya, where he sought specialized medical treatment for the child following complications allegedly linked to S26 formula.

JUBA, South Sudan (Eye Radio) – A South Sudanese father has raised serious health concerns after his infant daughter developed recurring skin rashes allegedly linked to Nestlé’s S26 milk formula, prompting authorities to launch an investigation.

The report comes amid a wave of international recalls for several Nestlé products, including S26, NAN, and SMA, due to the potential presence of toxins harmful to infants.

Mr Deng, who spoke to Eye Radio on Friday, January 9, stated that he first observed a skin reaction on his infant daughter’s head last December. Although doctors initially diagnosed a “fractured infection” and prescribed a topical ointment, the symptoms continued to recur, prompting further concern.

“We went to the market and bought S26 and put the baby on this milk,” Mr Deng explained. “After some time, we realized there were reactions on her body. The ointment helped it subside, but it kept recurring. This morning, I came across a safety alarm that struck me, and I immediately related it to the case of my daughter.”

Disturbed by the international reports of contaminated batches, Mr. Deng felt a responsibility to speak out. “I immediately shared this with a friend because I know there are so many other South Sudanese children who may be going through this,” he added.

The international recall, which has seen products pulled from shelves in several countries, prompted Mr. Deng to appeal directly to the South Sudanese government for urgent intervention.

“My appeal to the authorities is to look into this matter. It is a grave matter that cannot be brushed aside,” Deng stated. “It has already been done in other countries, and I appeal to the government to do the same. We have been advised that this product should be withdrawn with immediate effect.”

He confirmed that his daughter is currently in Kenya, where her diet has been changed, and she is reportedly recovering well.

Responding to the concerns, Gloria Nyoka, the Executive Director for the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS), stated that the department is taking active measures to protect consumers.

The Bureau is currently working to identify any affected batches currently on the South Sudanese market to ensure an immediate ban.

Furthermore, the department is coordinating with border inspectors to prevent the entry of these potentially toxic infant formulas into the country.

The situation in South Sudan mirrors growing global anxiety among parents. Recent international recalls of popular brands like Nestlé, NAN, and SMA have cited the presence of harmful substances.

Health experts warn that infants are particularly vulnerable to these toxins, making the swift removal of such products from the market a matter of national public health.