In a move described by company officials as “unprecedented,” Nestlé has initiated a worldwide recall of several of its infant formula products after traces of a dangerous toxin were found in a key ingredient, mutiple media reports said. The recall spans more than 25 countries, hitting hardest across Europe but also extending to Turkey, Argentina, and Hong Kong.
India does not currently figure on this list. However, Nestle has clarified that the list is not exhaustive and could be updated as investigations continue, the reports said.
According to Nestlé, the contamination stems from cereulide—a potent toxin produced by Bacillus cereus bacteria—detected in arachidonic acid (ARA) oil supplied by a third-party manufacturer. Investigations have traced the issue to a “technical cleaning defect” at the supplier’s facility, which led to the contamination of oil used in multiple Nestlé infant formula lines.
Experts warn that cereulide is particularly dangerous because it is highly heat-stable. This means traditional preparation methods such as mixing with boiling water or heating the formula are ineffective in neutralizing the toxin.
The recall covers specific batches of several well-known infant formula brands, including SMA, BEBA, NAN, Guigoz and Nidal and Alfamino.
Batch numbers and packaging sizes—ranging from 400g to 1.2kg—vary by country. Parents and caregivers ha been urged to inspect product codes found at the base of tins or boxes, or on the side or top of ready-to-feed containers.
Although no confirmed cases of illness have been reported as of January 7, global health authorities are urging vigilance. Exposure to cereulide can lead to acute food poisoning symptoms, including severe vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. These effects typically appear rapidly—within 30 minutes to six hours after ingestion.
Nestlé has advised consumers to immediately discontinue use of affected products and to contact local customer service centers for guidance on refunds or replacements. The company has also pledged full cooperation with health agencies to prevent further distribution of contaminated products.
IndiFoodBev — authentic, impactful and influential
An English-language food and beverage processing and packaging industry B2B platform in print and web, IndiFoodBev is in its third year of publication. It is said that the Indian food and beverage industries represent approximately US$ 900 billion in revenues which implies more than 20% of the country’s GDP. Eliminating the wastage on the farmside can help to deliver more protein to a higher number of the population apart from generating sizable exports. The savings in soil, seeds, water, fertilizer, energy and ultimately food and nutrition could be the most immense contribution that country is poised to make to the moderation of climate change.
To improve your marketing and grow sales to the food and beverage processing and packaging industry, talk to us. Our research and consulting company IppStar [www.ippstar.org] can assess your potential and addressable markets in light of the competition. We can discuss marketing, communication, and sales strategies for market entry and growth.
Suppliers and service providers with a strategy and budget for targeted marketing can discuss using our hybrid print, web, video, and social media channels to create brand recognition linked to market relevance. Our technical writers are ready to meet you and your customers for content.
The second largest producer of fruit and vegetables in the world is continuously expanding processing capacities and delivery systems with appropriate innovative technologies. We cover product and consumer trends, nutrition, processing, research, equipment and packaging from farm to thali. Get our 2025 media kit and recalibrate your role in this dynamic market. Enhance your visibility and relevance to existing markets and turn potential customers into conversations. Ask for a sample copy of our bi-monthly in print or our weekly IndiFoodBev eZine each Wednesday.
For editorial info@ippgroup.in — for advertisement ads1@ippgroup.in and for subscriptions subscription@ippgroup.in
Naresh Khanna – 10 February 2025
Subscribe Now
