Baby formula urgently recalled over fears it may contain toxin

Several batches of baby formula have been urgently recalled after authorities warned they may contain a toxin that can cause food poisoning.

In a statement, Nestlé wrote that the safety and wellbeing of babies is the business’ ‘absolute priority’, which is why, as a ‘precautionary measure’ it is ‘voluntarily recalling specific batches of its SMA **infant formula and follow-on formula’.

“This is due to the potential presence of cereulide in the batches concerned,” the health notice continued.

Cereulide is a toxin produced by some strains of Bacillus cereus and is highly heat stable, meaning it is unlikely to be deactivated or destroyed by cooking, using boiling water or when making the infant milk, according to the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

It can lead to rapid onset of symptoms if consumed, such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps, the agency stated.

Parents are advised to check whether their baby formula has been included in the recall (Getty Stock Image)

Nestlé stated that the quality issue was detected in an ingredient provided by a ‘leading suppler’.

It confirmed that all arachidonic acid (ARA) oil and corresponding oil mixes used in the production of ‘potentially impacted infant nutrition products’ has now been tested for contamination.

“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,” the company added.

What formulas are affected by the mass recall?

800g cartons of SMA Advanced First Infant Milk, Advanced Follow-on Milk, SMA Comfort, and Anti Reflux are all affected by the recall.

SMA First Infant Milk in 800g, 400g, 1.2kg, 200ml, 70ml batches are included, alongside a Lactose Free version of the baby formula (400g).

ALFAMINO (400g) and SMA Litlle Steps First Infant Milk (800g) should also be returned to the source of purchase or destroyed.

There are eight products affected in Ireland, including SMA Gold PREM 2 (800g), Comfort (800g), and Advanced Follow on Milk (800g).

All of these products have been sold across the world and have best before dates listed from November 2026 through to November 2027.

Nestlé has recalled various tubs of its baby formula (Nestlé)

Other countries affected by the precautionary recall include France, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Italy and Sweden.

For a full list of products and batch numbers, head to the Nestle website.

What to do if you have purchased the recalled products?

The business has confirmed no illness associated with consumption of the recalled baby formula have been reported.

However, if you have purchased any of the recalled products, you should stop using it, even if you haven’t identified any ill-health in your child.

Instead, you should share a photo of the product and the batch code with Nestlé to get a full refund.

“If the infant formula or follow-on formula was prescribed by a health professional for your infant, consult a pharmacist or other medical professional before changing formula,” the FSA added.

The FSA's head of incidents, Jane Rawling, said anyone seeking advice should contact their GP or call NHS 111.