Nestlé Recalls Baby Formula Products Worldwide Over Potential Toxin Risk
Nestlé has announced a global recall of specific batches of its baby formula products after identifying a potential risk of contamination by a toxin that can cause food poisoning.
The food and beverage company said certain batches of its SMA infant formula and follow-on formula may contain cereulide, a toxin associated with nausea and vomiting. As a precaution, Nestlé advised that the affected products should not be fed to infants.
The company said there have been no confirmed reports of illness linked to the recalled products, but described the action as a preventive measure.
“The safety and wellbeing of babies is our absolute priority,” Nestlé said in a statement, apologizing for the concern and inconvenience caused to parents and caregivers.
Nestlé confirmed that the recall applies globally. The affected products were distributed in several countries, including France, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Italy, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. In France, the recalled products are sold under the Guigoz and Nidal brands, while in Germany they are marketed as Beba and Alfamino.
The company emphasized that all other Nestlé products, as well as unaffected batches of the same formulas, remain safe to consume. Customers who purchased the recalled products are eligible for refunds. Nestlé said the issue was traced to an ingredient supplied by a third-party supplier.
In the UK, batch numbers for affected products are available on Nestlé’s website and through the Food Standards Agency. Consumers are advised to check the code printed on the base of formula tins or boxes, or on the packaging of ready-to-feed products.
Cereulide is a toxin produced by certain strains of the Bacillus cereus bacterium. According to food safety authorities, it can cause food poisoning symptoms such as vomiting and stomach cramps, often developing quickly after consumption. The toxin is resistant to heat and is not destroyed by boiling water or during formula preparation.
Jane Rawling, head of incidents at the UK Food Standards Agency, urged parents and caregivers not to use the affected products.
“We are taking urgent action to ensure all affected products are removed from sale,” she said. “If a baby has consumed one of these products and there are health concerns, parents should seek medical advice from a GP or contact NHS 111.”
Nestlé said it is working with regulators and retailers to ensure the recall is effectively implemented and to prevent any further risk to consumers.
