Nestlé has announced a worldwide recall of selected baby formula products after discovering they may contain a toxin linked to food poisoning.
The company said certain batches of its SMA infant and follow-on formulas should not be fed to babies due to the possible presence of cereulide, a toxin that can cause symptoms such as vomiting and nausea.
Although no illnesses have been confirmed, Nestlé said the recall was issued as a precautionary measure to protect infant health.
“The safety and wellbeing of babies is our absolute priority,” the company said in a statement, apologising for the concern and inconvenience caused to families and caregivers.
Products sold across multiple countries
Nestlé confirmed the recall affects products sold globally, including in several European countries such as France, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Italy and Sweden. The company stressed that all other Nestlé products — as well as unaffected batches of the same formulas — remain safe to use.
The issue has been traced back to an ingredient supplied by one of Nestlé’s partners. Customers will be offered refunds for any recalled products.
In France, the affected formulas are sold under the Guigoz and Nidal brands, while in Germany they are marketed as Beba and Alfamino. In the UK, consumers can find full batch details on Nestlé’s website or through the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
Parents are advised to check batch codes, which are printed on the base of tins or boxes for powdered formulas and on the packaging of ready-to-feed products.
Health advice for parents
Cereulide is produced by certain strains of the Bacillus cereus bacteria and can cause rapid-onset food poisoning, including vomiting and stomach cramps. The FSA warned that the toxin is not destroyed by boiling water or during formula preparation.
Jane Rawling, the FSA’s head of incidents, urged parents and caregivers not to use the affected products and said action was being taken to remove them from sale.
“If you have fed this product to a baby and have any concerns about their health, please seek medical advice by contacting your GP or calling NHS 111,” she said.
Precautionary action
Nestlé described the recall as voluntary and preventive, emphasising its commitment to food safety. The company said it is working closely with regulators to ensure affected products are withdrawn swiftly and that customers are supported.
