Nestlé has issued a recall of certain batches of baby formula primarily in European markets due to potential contamination with a toxin that can lead to symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. However, the recall does not impact any products in Canada, as confirmed by Nestlé.
The company announced the voluntary recall of products, including batches of its SMA, BEBA, and NAN infant formulas, as a precautionary measure due to concerns about the presence of a toxin known as cereulide in these batches. Cereulide is a toxin produced by specific bacteria strains that can cause food poisoning, resulting in severe symptoms like vomiting and nausea lasting up to 24 hours, as highlighted by Ireland’s food inspection agency.
Nestlé emphasized its commitment to the safety and well-being of babies in a recall notice on its website, stating that the recall aligns with their stringent product quality and safety protocols. The decision to recall the products came after the company conducted testing following a quality issue detected in an ingredient sourced from a supplier. Nestlé has since switched to alternative suppliers to maintain formula supply.
Although the recall affects various countries such as Turkey, Argentina, the U.K., Ireland, and other European nations, Nestlé clarified to CBC that Canadian products are not impacted by the recall. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) also affirmed that there is no distribution of the affected formulas in Canada.
Nestlé has provided online access to a list of affected batch numbers, located on the bottom of formula tins or boxes. Consumers who have purchased the affected formulas are advised not to use them and to contact Nestlé for a refund.
Austria’s health ministry reported that the recall affected over 800 products from more than 10 Nestlé factories, marking the largest recall in the company’s history. However, Nestlé has not confirmed these figures. The Swiss multinational company, a significant player in the global infant nutrition market, is facing a decline in shares following the recall.
The recall, which commenced on a smaller scale in December, is also adding pressure on Philipp Navratil, Nestlé’s new chief executive, who aims to drive growth through a portfolio review amid recent management changes.