Threat to children: dangerous contraband baby food found in Ukrainian retail chains. UPDATED
10 January 21:15
The problem of smuggling in Ukraine has long gone beyond purely economic issues. Today, it directly affects the safety and health of citizens, especially the most vulnerable—children.
This was emphasized by People’s Deputy and Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Finance Committee Danylo Getmantsev, commenting on the sale of baby food of dubious origin on Facebook.
As the deputy himself admits, he used to, “like most parents, buy baby food and simply trust stores and pharmacies — he did not check the documents, series, or origin of the goods.” However, this trust, according to him, turned out to be conditional, as some retail chains allow themselves to sell contraband products, hiding behind their own authority.
In December 2025, Nestlé voluntarily recalled certain batches of baby formula in European countries due to a risk associated with one of the ingredients and officially stated that these batches were not supplied to Ukraine. Despite this, such formulas were sold without hindrance in the Antoshka Children’s Dreams Network, Pharmacy 9-1-1, and other chains.
“I think it’s clear to everyone how these products could have ended up in Ukraine,” Getmantsev notes.
He emphasizes that smuggling is no longer just about budget losses.
“When it comes to baby food, which can harm children, it’s beyond common sense,” the deputy emphasizes.
According to him, parents should not have to become customs inspectors, because it is the state’s responsibility to ensure safety by combating smuggling and corruption.
Currently, relevant requests have already been sent to law enforcement agencies, and the situation is under the personal control of the head of the Verkhovna Rada’s financial committee, Getmantsev.
At the same time, “Pharmacy 9-1-1” responded to the accusations. We are publishing their position without changes.
“For Pharmacy 9-1-1, the safety and quality of products, especially for the youngest consumers and their families, are a key value. The company cooperates exclusively with verified manufacturers and official suppliers who have all the necessary permits, quality certificates and licenses in accordance with the current legislation of Ukraine.
Nestlé Ukraine LLC, the official supplier of NAN and Nestogen brand products in Ukraine, initiated a precautionary measure in the form of a voluntary recall of certain imported batches of infant formula. Pharmacy 9-1-1 was officially notified of this by letter dated January 5, 2026.
The specified products were received by the Pharmacy 9-1-1 network directly from the supplier and had all the necessary accompanying documents.
Pharmacy 9-1-1 responded to the partner’s message immediately after receiving it. The sale of the products listed in Upon the request of LLC “Nestle Ukraine”, the product batches were immediately stopped in the network’s pharmacies and on the website apteka911.ua, and the corresponding products were withdrawn from circulation.
Consumers who previously purchased products subject to voluntary recall are recommended to contact the Nestlé hotline, where the company’s specialists will provide complete information and necessary clarifications:
Contact page: https://www.nestle.ua/info/call-us
Nestlé Head Office in Ukraine: +38 (044) 490 80 00
Nestlé Support Line: 0 800 500 950,” the statement reads.
As reported by "Komersant Ukrainian", Nestlé in Ukraine announced the voluntary recall of certain imported batches of NAN and NESTOGEN brand infant formula.
