Nestle Recalls Limited Baby Formula Batches Globally

Summary: Nestlé has globally recalled certain batches of its baby formula due to quality issues arising from an ingredient provided by a supplier.

Parents trust the baby formula that they give their infants. Therefore, they deserve to be informed if there are any quality issues regarding the same.
Nestle has globally recalled certain batches of its baby formula in light of some quality issues regarding the sourcing of an ingredient from a supplier. Though there is nothing to be alarmed about, this is just a precautionary measure.

The recalled products

Nestle has recalled certain batches of infant and follow-on formula products that are sold globally. The recalled products are inclusive of SMA infant formula and follow-on formula, with other brand names that differ from country to country.
In France, the products include Guigoz and Nidal.
In Germany, the products include Beba and Alfamino.
The recalled products pertain to a specific batch, and other Nestlé products are safe for use.

Reason for recall

It was noticed that there was a quality defect in the ARA (arachidonic acid), procured from a vendor. Infant formula contains ARA, which is vital for the infant’s growth and development, and is an ingredient of infant formula.

The detection

The tests detected the probable presence of cereulide, a toxin made by the bacteria Bacillus cereus, that causes food poisoning. This toxin is rarely found in oils, but as a matter of abundant precaution, Nestlé chose to recall the affected products. Better to be safe than sorry.

Cereulide

Cereulide is a heat-stable toxin, i.e. it cannot be destroyed by boiling water or during preparing the formula, as per the UK Food Standards Agency. Hence, it is essential to recall the affected batches.

The symptoms

Symptoms like nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhoea can be noticed within a period of thirty minutes to six hours from the infant consuming the product infected with cereulide.

Caution

As a matter of caution, parents and caregivers have been advised to be alert for any warning symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting or unusual tiredness.
On observing any of these symptoms, prompt and immediate medical consultation is required, and they should not use the affected product.
There is no reason for any panic, as parents and caregivers can check the batch number mentioned on their product with the affected batch numbers that are available on the company’s website. If their product has the same batch number, then they should stop using that product.
The company Nestle has assured its consumers that it will provide a full refund as well as take back the affected product.
Healthcare experts can advise parents and caregivers regarding alternative infant formula options, if required.

The Company

Nestle has stated that this recall is limited to a certain batch only. They are monitoring the situation and ensuring all proactive steps are taken to solve the issue. The company also states that the recalled products affect less than 0.5% of total annual group sales, which will have a minimal financial impact. The Company states that its quality and safety norms are robust, and they are coordinating with the authorities of each country that has received the recalled products.