Nestle issues global recall of some baby formula products over toxin fears

Archie MitchellBusiness reporter

Getty Images Baby drinks milk from a bottle

Nestle has announced a global recall of some baby food products over concerns they contain a toxin that can cause food poisoning.

The food and drink giant said certain batches of its SMA infant formula and subsequent formulas are unsafe to feed to children.

The batches were sold around the world and potentially contain cerulide, which can cause nausea and vomiting if consumed, Nestlé said.

The company said there have been no confirmed reports of illnesses associated with the products, but it recalled them “out of an abundance of caution.”

“The safety and well-being of children is our absolute priority,” Nestlé said. “We sincerely apologize for any concern or inconvenience caused to parents, carers and customers.”

The company confirmed to the BBC that the recall is global. The affected products were sold in several European countries, including France, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Italy and Sweden.

It stressed that all other Nestlé products and lots of the same products that were not recalled are safe to eat.

Nestle promised refunds to affected customers and said the problem was caused by an ingredient provided by one of its suppliers.

Nestlé France said it was conducting a “precautionary and voluntary recall” of some batches of Guigoz and Nidal infant formulas.

In Germany the product formulas are called Beba and Alfamino.

Lot numbers of affected products in the UK can be found at Nestlé UK websiteor through food.gov.uk.

Customers are advised to look for the appropriate code on the bottom of the powdered formula can or box or on the base of the outer box, and on the side or top of the prepared formula container.

Nestlé has recalled certain lots of its infant and follow-up formulas containing SMA.

Nestlé The Nestlé products affected by the recall are single lots of SMA infant formula and subsequent formula. — Nestlé has recalled certain lots of its infant and follow-up formulas containing SMA.

Cereulide is a toxin produced by certain strains of the bacteria Bacillus cereus that can cause food poisoning symptoms that can develop quickly and include vomiting and stomach cramps. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has warned that it is unlikely to be deactivated or destroyed by cooking, boiling or preparing baby milk.

FSA Head of Incident Investigation Jane Rowling said parents, carers and carers should not feed infants and young children the affected products.

She added: “I want to reassure parents, carers and trustees that we are taking urgent action to help ensure that all affected product is removed from sale as a precaution.

“If you have fed this product to a child and have any concerns about the potential health effects, you should seek advice from health professionals by contacting your GP or calling NHS 111.”