Food Safety: Nestlé warns of product unavailability, expands infant formula recalls to over 60 countries

*Nestlé expands the scope of its infant formula and follow-on formula recalls to include additional products across about 60 countries where the arachidonic acid (ARA) oil, and oil mixes containing ARA used in infant nutrition products may have been applied

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Nestlé has expressed concerns about product availability, as the food giant expands recalls of its infant formula and follow-on formula to about 60 countries due to heat-resistant toxin concerns.

ConsumerConnect reports Nestlé’s product testing revealed the presence of a heat-resistant toxin but no illnesses have been confirmed.

The company affirmed the testing identified the possible presence of cereulide, a toxin that could cause food poisoning, just as it urged parents and guardians to watch for the l symptoms.

It was gathered that the expanded recall followed an earlier action announced December 2025, and affected a wide range of infant nutrition products sold under multiple Nestlé brands.

Company officials, nonetheless, noted that no confirmed illnesses have been linked to the recalled products across tens of countries thus far.

Why the expanded recalls?

The initial recall was launched after Nestlé detected suspected Bacillus cereus contamination in part of a production line at its Nunspeet factory in the Netherlands, according to Food Safety News.

It is said that the company discovered the issue during a routine self-monitoring test.

Further investigation also revealed that cereulide — a toxin produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus — was detected in one of the raw materials supplied for use in production, report stated.

Nestlé said the affected ingredient was arachidonic acid (ARA) oil, as well as oil mixes containing ARA, which are used in infant nutrition products.

Sequel to the findings, Nestlé expanded the scope of the recall to include additional products and countries where the ingredient may have been used.

As regards what parents and guardians should do, they are urged to check product details immediately.

“Look at the brand name, batch or lot number, and expiration date on any infant formula or follow-on formula you have at home.

“Compare them with recall notices issued in your country,” it stated.

Parents are equally urged to not use recalled products.

The company direct that if your formula is included in the recall, you should stop using it right away — even if it looks or smells normal.

This is because cereulide toxin is heat-resistant, and cannot be destroyed by boiling or reheating, according to report.

Watch for symptoms

Symptoms linked to cereulide exposure include nausea and severe vomiting, often appearing within five hours of consumption.

Illness usually lasts between six and 24 hours.

Contact a healthcare provider, if needed

If a child has consumed a recalled product and shows symptoms, contact a healthcare provider promptly for medical advice.

Follow local recall instructions. Check guidance from your country’s food safety authority or Nestlé’s recall notices for information on refunds, replacements, or how to safely dispose of affected products.

Monitor updates

Because the recall has expanded to multiple countries and brands, parents should watch for additional updates from health authorities in case more products or batches are added.

Why is cereulide a concern?

According to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), cereulide toxin can be pre-formed in food and is extremely resistant to heat, meaning it may not be destroyed during typical processing or preparation.

Consumption of foods containing cereulide can lead to nausea and severe vomiting, with symptoms typically appearing within five hours.

Illness usually lasts between six and 24 hours, report noted.

Nestlé said parents should contact a healthcare provider, if a child has consumed an affected product and experiences symptoms.

Products and some countries affected

The recall affects infant formula and follow-on formula distributed in numerous countries, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sweden, Turkey and Ukraine, among others.

Besides, a 9wide range of Nestlé brands are listed in recall notices.

These include Alfamino, Lactogen Harmony 1, BEBA OptiPro 1, BEBA Comfort 1, BEBA Supreme, BEBA ExpertPro, NAN Sensilac 1, NAN HA 1, NAN Pro 1, NAN ExpertPro, NAN OptiPro, NAN Supreme, NAN Sensitive 1 and Guigoz OptiPro Relais.

In the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland, Nestlé has recalled certain batches of SMA infant formula and follow-on formula, with expiration dates ranging from October 2026 through November 2027, report said.

We’re closely monitoring situation across the world, says Nestlé

Meanwhile, Nestlé in a response has said it is working closely with regulators and monitoring the situation around the world.

The statement noted: “Although no confirmed cases of product-related illness have been identified, we understand that the situation may raise concerns among parents.

“We take any concerns seriously and are monitoring the situation closely.”

The food and nutrition giant, therefore, warned that the current recalls could temporarily affect product availability in some stores.

It, however, assured consumers that it is working to minimise disruptions in the product supply chain, according to report.

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