Nestle has expanded its recall of baby formula products after discovering a food poisoning toxin in an ingredient. The company had previously recalled several batches of its SMA infant formula and follow-on formula in January over concerns they contained cereulide toxin, which can cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) confirmed that arachidonic acid (ARA) oil, an ingredient added to formula to support infant development, was the source of contamination. The latest batch recalled is 800g packs of SMA First Infant Milk with a best before date of December 2027 and batch number 53390346AB, which was only distributed in Northern Ireland.
Nestle stated there have been no confirmed reports of illness linked to the products, but the recall is being made "out of an abundance of caution". Other affected Nestle products include SMA Advanced Follow-On Milk, SMA Anti Reflux, SMA Alfamino, SMA First Infant Milk, SMA Little Steps First Infant Milk, SMA Comfort and SMA Lactose Free.
The contamination also led to a recall by Danone of its Aptamil baby formula on January 23. The FSA said at the time that only one batch sold in the UK was affected, but additional batches in other countries were also impacted. Last week, it emerged that both recalls originated from a shared third-party ingredient supplier.
The FSA urged parents to stop using any affected products, switch to an alternative, and contact their GP or NHS 111 if their baby has already consumed the formula. For prescribed formula, parents should consult a pharmacist or doctor before switching. Full details of recalled batches are available on the FSA and Nestle websites.
