Global food and beverage major Nestle has announced a voluntary recall of certain baby formula products after detecting the possible presence of a toxin that can cause food poisoning.
The recall affects specific batches of infant nutrition products, including SMA, BEBA and NAN formulas, sold largely across Europe and other international markets.
According to the company, the affected products were distributed in Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Switzerland and the UK, among other regions.
Why has Nestle recalled these baby formula products?
Nestle said the recall was conducted due to the potential presence of cereulide, a toxin which is known to cause nausea and vomiting when consumed. Cereulide is produced by certain strains of the Bacillus cereus bacteria and is associated with food poisoning.
While the company confirmed that no illnesses have been reported so far, it said the recall was being carried out “out of an abundance of caution” to protect infant health.
In a statement, Nestle said, “The safety and wellbeing of babies is our absolute priority. As a precautionary measure, Nestle is voluntarily recalling specific batches of its SMA infant formula and follow-on formula due to the potential presence of cereulide.”
What is cereulide and why is it dangerous?
According to a report by BBC, cereulide is a heat-resistant toxin that can trigger food poisoning symptoms such as vomiting and stomach cramps, often within a short time after consumption.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has warned that cereulide is unlikely to be destroyed by boiling water, cooking, or during the preparation of infant milk, making contamination particularly concerning for baby food products.
Which Nestle baby formula batches are affected?
Nestle clarified that only specific batches of SMA infant formula, follow-on formula and certain BEBA and NAN products are impacted. All the discontinued batch numbers can be found at Nestle’s official website.
Batch codes can be found on the base of the tin or box for powdered formulas and on the outer box or side/top of containers for ready-to-feed products.
The company stressed that all other Nestle products and unaffected batches are safe to consume.
What should parents and caregivers do?
Nestle has urged parents and caregivers not to feed the affected products to infants. Consumers who have purchased the recalled batches are advised to share a photo of the product and batch code via Nestle’s official contact page.
Nestle said customers will be fully refunded. Those who were prescribed the affected formula have been advised to destroy the product and consult a healthcare professional for suitable alternatives.
“Anyone concerned about their baby’s health should contact a healthcare professional,” the company added.
“We understand that this news may cause concern for parents, caregivers and customers, and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused,” Nestle said.
