Global food giant Nestle has initiated a major recall of several infant milk formulas across Europe, including the United Kingdom, over fears they may be contaminated with a toxin that can cause vomiting and nausea in babies.
Scope of the Recall and Products Affected
The recall, which the Austrian health ministry has called the largest in Nestle's history, affects products sold under the SMA, BEBA, and NAN brands. It encompasses infant and follow-on formulas. The action impacts consumers in Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Switzerland, and Britain.
While the recall began on a smaller scale in December 2025, it was significantly expanded following further investigation. Nestle stated late on Monday, 5 January 2026, that no confirmed illnesses or symptoms have been linked to the recalled batches so far.
Source of the Contamination and Identified Risk
A company spokesperson confirmed the issue originated from a quality defect in an ingredient supplied by a third party. The potential risk was traced to one of Nestle's factories located in the Netherlands.
In response, the company has tested all arachidonic acid oil and corresponding oil mixes used in potentially impacted products. The contaminant of concern is cereulide, a toxin produced by specific strains of the Bacillus cereus bacterium.
Britain's Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a stark warning, noting that this toxin "is unlikely to be deactivated or destroyed by cooking, using boiling water or when making the infant milk." It added that consumption "can lead to rapid onset of symptoms," such as nausea, vomiting, or abdominal cramps. Conversely, Norway's food safety agency assessed there was no acute health risk.
Critical Information for UK and Irish Consumers
Nestle has published extensive lists of affected batch numbers. Parents and carers in the UK, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland are urged to check their products immediately.
Key affected products in Great Britain include:
- SMA Advanced First Infant Milk (800g)
- SMA First Infant Milk (800g, 400g, 1.2Kg, 200ml, 70ml)
- SMA Comfort (800g)
- SMA Lactose Free (400g)
- SMA Anti Reflux (800g)
- ALFAMINO (400g)
Specific batches for Northern Ireland and Ireland are also listed, including SMA GOLD PREM 2. Consumers must verify the batch code on their packaging against the official lists provided by Nestle and the FSA.
Market Impact and Company Response
Nestle, which holds nearly a quarter of the global $92.2 billion infant nutrition market, is working to minimise supply disruption. The affected infant formula products fall under its Nutrition and Health Science division, which represented 16.6% of its total sales of 91.4 billion Swiss francs in 2024.
The company has committed to a full recall process and is advising customers with affected products not to use them and to contact their point of purchase for a refund or replacement.
