Nestlé Issues Global Recall of SMA Infant and Follow-On Formula Due to Safety Concerns

In a precautionary move to safeguard the health of babies worldwide, Nestlé has announced a voluntary recall of specific batches of its SMA Infant Formula and Follow-On Formula. This decision follows concerns that some of the affected products may contain cereulide, a toxin that can cause food poisoning symptoms like nausea and vomiting.

Why the Recall?

The recall affects several global markets, including the UK, Ireland, and various European countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Austria, and Sweden. Although there have been no confirmed reports of illness, Nestlé has chosen to take swift action “out of an abundance of caution.” The company emphasized that the safety and wellbeing of babies is its top priority and apologized for any concern or inconvenience caused.

Cereulide is a toxin produced by some strains of the Bacillus cereus bacteria. It is known to cause symptoms like vomiting and stomach cramps and is not easily destroyed by cooking or boiling water. According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), this toxin can survive the preparation process, making it a serious concern for infant formulas.

Global Impact of the Recall

Nestlé confirmed that the recall is being implemented globally, with affected products sold across multiple regions. In addition to the SMA formulas, the recall also includes products marketed under other brand names in different countries. For example, in France, Nestlé is recalling batches of Guigoz and Nidal infant formulas, while in Germany, the products under recall include Beba and Alfamino formulas.

The company has assured consumers that all other Nestlé products and non-affected batches of the same formulas remain safe to consume.

Affected Products in the UK & Ireland

Consumers in the UK and Ireland are encouraged to check the batch codes of any SMA products they may have purchased. The affected products include both powdered and ready-to-feed formulas. Batch codes can be found on the base of the tin or box for powdered formulas or on the base and side/top of ready-to-feed formula containers.

The following products have been included in the recall:

• SMA Advanced First Infant Milk (800g) – Batch codes: 51450742F1, 52319722BA, 52819722AA
• SMA First Infant Milk (800g, 400g, 1.2Kg, and other sizes)
• SMA Comfort (800g)
• SMA Lactose Free (400g)
• SMA Anti Reflux (800g)
• ALFAMINO (400g)

A full list of affected products and batch codes can be found on the Nestlé UK website or Food.gov.uk.

What Should Consumers Do?

Nestlé is offering full refunds to consumers who have purchased affected products mainly in the UK and Ireland. If you have one of the recalled products, you are advised not to feed it to your baby. Instead, you can:

1. Submit a photo of the product and its batch code via Nestlé’s online contact form: Nestlé UK Contact
2. Call Nestlé’s customer careline at:
   • 0800 0 81 81 80 (UK)
   • 1800 931 832 (Ireland)

If your baby has been prescribed one of the affected products, it is recommended to destroy the product and consult with your healthcare professional for advice on alternatives.

Health Risks: Understanding Cereulide

Cereulide, the toxin that has prompted this recall, is particularly concerning because it is not destroyed by the normal preparation processes for infant formula. This means that even if the formula is prepared with boiling water, the toxin could remain active and pose a risk to infants.

While the symptoms of cereulide poisoning are typically nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps, it is important for parents and caregivers to be vigilant. The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has stated that any parent or caregiver concerned about the potential health impact of feeding these products should seek advice from a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 for guidance.

Nestlé’s Commitment to Safety

In a statement, Nestlé reiterated that the recall was a preventive measure and that the company was working hard to ensure all affected products are swiftly removed from the market. “The safety and wellbeing of babies is our absolute priority,” Nestlé stated, apologizing again for any worry caused to parents and caregivers.

Nestlé has also confirmed that the recall was caused by an ingredient provided by one of its suppliers, underscoring the company’s commitment to strict quality control measures to ensure the safety of its products.

Reassurance for Parents and Caregivers

For parents and caregivers who may be concerned about the recall, Jane Rawling, Head of Incidents at the FSA – UK, reassured the public that urgent action was being taken to remove the affected products from sale. She also encouraged any parents who might have already fed their babies the affected formula to consult with a healthcare professional if they have any concerns.

Nestlé emphasized that this recall, while concerning, is being handled responsibly and with utmost care, ensuring that the products are removed from shelves as quickly as possible.

Sources:

1. Nestlé UK – Nestlé Announcement on Product Recall
2. Food Standards Agency (FSA) – FSA Warning on Cereulide
3. BBC News – “Nestlé Issues Global Recall of Baby Formula” BBC Report
4. Nestlé Global Statement – Nestlé Global Safety Recall Statement