Nestlé has issued a public recall of its infant nutrition products in more than 30 markets, including Australia and New Zealand, due to potential toxin contamination.
The company recently looked into a quality issue with an ingredient provided by a leading supplier and detected the potential presence of Cereulide in arachidonic acid (ARA) oil and corresponding oil mixes, which are used in the production of its potentially affected infant nutrition products.
Cereulide is a substance of bacterial origin that causes foodborne illness and is created by certain strains of the microorganism, Bacillus cereus.
Nestlé said the presence of cereulide in oils is very uncommon and is now working with the oil supplier to determine the root cause.
As of January 7, the recall was being conducted in 27 European countries (including the UK, Spain, and Italy among others), three markets in Apac (Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong), and three countries in the Americas (Argentina, Mexico and Peru).
The company noted that the list of affected markets was not exhaustive and would be updated when available.
As ARA oil is used in a range of different infant nutrition products sold globally, the issue impacts multiple brands, including SMA, BEBA, NAN and Alfamino. The affected brands and products differ on a country-by-country basis.
In Australia and New Zealand, Nestlé is recalling the Alfamino Infant Formula (0-12 months) 400g, according to Food Standards ANZ. The affected products have the following markings: Use by date 17.04.2027, Batch number 51070017Y2; Use by date 18.04.2027, Batch number 51080017Y1; Use by date 28.05.2027, Batch number 51480017Y3; Use by date 29.05.2027, Batch number 51490017Y1; and Use by date 22.07.2027, Batch number 52030017Y1.
Consumers are advised to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice.
No illnesses have been confirmed in connection with the products involved to date, according to Nestlé. Symptoms to look out for are severe or persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual lethargy, which typically appear between 30 minutes to six hours after exposure.
“We are in contact with authorities in the relevant countries to ensure the necessary steps are taken,” the firm said. “Nestlé assures parents and caregivers that it is implementing appropriate actions to help ensure the health and wellbeing of families and their babies.”
Nestlé added that the recalled products represent less than 0.5 per cent of annual group sales, so the financial impact is not expected to be significant.
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