Nestlé recalls dozens of baby formula batches across 25 countries after detecting toxin

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NESTLE has recalled more than 800 batches of baby formula in 25 countries after detecting traces of cereulide, a toxin that can cause vomiting and abdominal cramps. Nestlé said on Monday that there had been no confirmed reports of any illnesses in connection with the batches.

The Austrian health ministry, which first detected small amounts of cereulide in two batches during a routine safety inspection last month, described the recall as the largest in Nestlé’s history. Authorities said the traces of cereulide were low enough to pose no risk, while Nestlé said the recall of potentially contaminated batches this week was voluntary and precautionary.

Austrian authorities believe products could have been affected in ten factories and batches have been recalled across 25 countries in Europe, as well as Turkey and Argentina. In the UK and Ireland, 72 batches have been recalled. Most of the recalled products were tins and boxes of Nestlé’s SMA Advanced first infant milk formula along with follow-on formula for 6-12-month-olds. In addition, the company recalled several batches of toddler formula along with its anti-reflux, comfort, lactose-free and hypoallergenic formulas, all under Nestlé’s SMA product line.

Cereulide is a heat-stable toxin produced by some strains of the Bacillus cereus bacterium. While the bacterium is killed during manufacturing, the toxin itself is not deactivated by heating. Austrian authorities found the contamination in December linked to Nestlé’s supply of arachidonic acid oil used in some formula products. Following confirmation in two batches, Nestlé carried out a “silent recall” over the Christmas period. This week’s public recall is the next step in a standard, phased procedure, the Austrian health ministry said.

Nestlé has not confirmed the name of its arachidonic acid supplier and has begun sourcing the ingredients from alternative suppliers, Reuters reports.

An up-to-date list of batch codes of recalled products can be found on the Nestlé website. Product batch codes can be found on the base of the box or tin of formula. Nestlé has advised parents not to feed babies formula from affected batches and to contact healthcare services if the products have already been used.