Nestlé recalls infant formula batches over toxin risk

Nestlé has issued a precautionary global recall of certain batches of infant and follow-on formula sold in at least 25 countries after tests detected the possible presence of cereulide, a toxin that can cause food poisoning.

The affected products include specific batches of SMA infant formula and follow-on formula, as well as other Nestlé-owned brands sold under different names across markets. Cereulide is produced by some strains of Bacillus cereus bacteria and can trigger symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps. The toxin is not destroyed by boiling water or standard formula preparation.

Nestlé said no illnesses linked to the recalled products have been confirmed to date and described the action as a “preventive and voluntary recall” taken out of an abundance of caution. The company said the issue was traced to a non-compliant ingredient supplied by a third-party vendor.

“The safety and wellbeing of babies is our absolute priority,” Nestlé said, apologising for any concern caused to parents and caregivers. Customers are being offered full refunds, and authorities in affected countries have been notified.

According to Nestlé, the recall currently applies mainly to countries in Europe and parts of the Americas, as well as Hong Kong. No African country has so far issued a public recall, and Nigeria is not on the list. However, Nestlé stressed that the list of affected countries is not exhaustive and may be updated as investigations continue.

Nestlé said arachidonic acid (ARA) oil used in infant nutrition products is common across multiple brands and markets, meaning the impact differs by country. Local Nestlé units are publishing product and batch details on their respective websites.

Parents and caregivers are advised to check batch numbers on product packaging and discontinue use immediately if their product is included in a recall notice. Nestlé said the recalled batches represent less than 0.5% of its annual group sales and that the financial impact is expected to be minimal.

The company said it is working closely with suppliers and regulators while conducting a full root-cause analysis, adding that the recall does not indicate broader quality or safety failures.