Nestlé recalls several SMA infant formula products over cereulide toxin risk

Nestlé has launched a large-scale precautionary recall of a wide range of SMA infant formula and follow-on milk products sold in the UK after identifying a potential cereulide toxin risk.

The voluntary recall affects numerous SMA product lines, pack sizes and batch codes, including SMA Advanced First Infant Milk, SMA Advanced Follow-On Milk, SMA Anti Reflux, SMA Alfamino, SMA Comfort, SMA Lactose Free and multiple SMA First Infant Milk formats, including powder and ready-to-feed products.

Nestlé said it triggered the recall after checks identified a potential risk of cereulide, a toxin produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus. The toxin is highly heat stable and cannot be destroyed by boiling water or during formula preparation, making affected products unsafe to consume.

In the recall notice, the company stated:

The safety and wellbeing of babies is our absolute priority.”

Symptoms and recall process

If ingested, cereulide can lead to a rapid onset of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps. Parents and carers are being urged to stop using the affected products immediately, even if no ill health has been observed in their baby.

Where a healthcare professional has prescribed infant formula, Nestlé advised parents to consult a pharmacist or other medical professional before switching products.

Parents who have already fed the recalled formula to their baby and have concerns about possible health impacts are being advised to seek guidance from healthcare professionals.

Nestlé said it has received no confirmed reports of illness linked to consumption of the recalled products. However, the company said it took the decision as a precaution and in line with its internal quality and safety protocols.

We understand that this news may cause concern for parents, and we sincerely apologise for any concern or inconvenience caused to parents, caregivers, and customers.”

Retailers stocking the affected products are displaying point-of-sale notices explaining the recall and setting out next steps for customers. Nestlé advised consumers who have purchased any of the affected batches not to feed the products to babies and instead request a refund by sharing a photo of the product and batch code via its consumer care website, nestle.co.uk/getintouch, or by calling its UK careline on 0800 081 81 80.

A full list of affected products, batch codes and best-before dates are available to view in the recall notice here.