Urgent Recall: Nestle Baby Formula Contaminated with Toxin

A significant safety concern has emerged regarding certain batches of widely sold baby formula, prompting an urgent recall. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) confirmed that Nestle’s SMA baby formula was contaminated with a toxic chemical known as cereulide, which can induce nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps when ingested.

The contamination prompted Nestle to recall several products from its SMA line, including the SMA Advanced First Infant Milk and SMA Anti Reflux formulas. The FSA reported that the offending ingredient was identified as arachidonic acid (ARA) oil, which is typically added to infant formulas to support development.

Details of the Recall

Jodie Wild, head of the incidents unit at the FSA, explained that the contamination was traced back to a shared, third-party ingredient supplier. The FSA is actively working to identify all products that may have utilized ingredients from this supplier to ensure that any potentially affected items are promptly removed from sale.

In addition to Nestle’s products, Danone also recalled a batch of its Aptamil baby formula on January 23, 2024, due to similar concerns regarding cereulide. The FSA indicated that while only one batch of the Aptamil formula was sold in the UK, several additional batches distributed abroad were also impacted.

Wild stated, “Both recalls are due to the presence of cereulide, a toxin that can cause vomiting and nausea. If further recalls are needed, we will announce them immediately.”

Advice for Parents

Parents and guardians are advised to stop using the affected SMA products and to consider alternatives. If infants have already consumed any of the recalled formulas, they should consult a general practitioner or contact NHS 111 for guidance. Those whose infants are prescribed these formulas are encouraged to speak with a pharmacist or doctor before making any changes.

The following SMA products are included in the recall:

– SMA Advanced First Infant Milk
– SMA Advanced Follow-On Milk
– SMA Anti Reflux
– SMA Alfamino
– SMA First Infant Milk
– SMA Little Steps First Infant Milk
– SMA Comfort
– SMA Lactose Free

This incident underscores the importance of food safety in infant nutrition and the role of regulatory agencies in protecting public health. Further updates from the FSA will be released as investigations continue into the source of the contamination.