Nestlé recalls SMA baby formulas after possible presence of the toxin cereulide

Nestlé has taken the precautionary step of voluntarily recalling several of its SMA Infant Formula and Follow-On Formula packs because they may contain cereulide.

The possible presence of this toxin makes the products unsafe to consume.

Cereulide is produced by some strains of Bacillus cereus and is also highly heat stable, meaning it is unlikely to be deactivated or destroyed by cooking, boiling water or when making the infant milk. If consumed it can lead to the rapid onset of nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps.

Even if shoppers have not identified ill-health in their baby as a result of consumption, it is still essential to stop using it.

POS notices will be displayed in all stores selling these products, explaining to customers why they are being recalled and telling them what to do if they have bought the products. These can be downloaded here.

Shoppers are advised not to feed the formula to babies and instead, share a photo of the product and the batch code here or by calling the careline on 0800 081 8180 for a refund.

Anyone who has fed this product to a baby with concerns should seek advice from healthcare professionals, the Food Standards Agency added in a statement issued today (6 January).

In response, Nestlé said: “The safety and wellbeing of babies is our absolute priority. As a precautionary measure, Nestlé is voluntarily recalling specific batches of its SMA infant formula and follow-on formula.  

“Batch codes can be found on the base of the tin or box for powdered formulas or the base of the outer box and on the side/top of the container for ready-to-feed formulas.

“There have been no confirmed reports of any illness associated with consumption of the products concerned. Nevertheless, out of an abundance of caution, Nestlé has decided to perform this voluntary product recall in line with our strict product quality and safety protocols.

“All other Nestlé products and other batches of the same product that are not in the scope of this voluntary recall are safe to consume.

“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.”