Urgent warning as food giant recalls baby formula products over food poisoning toxin

Symptoms caused by this toxin include nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps

Nestlé has recalled several baby formula products due to concerns they may contain a food poisoning toxin.

Specific batches of its SMA infant and follow-on formulas were deemed unsafe for infants, the company confirmed.

The FSA warned that affected batches may contain cereulide toxin, causing nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. Nestlé apologised to customers, confirming no related illnesses have been reported.

The issue, it stated, stemmed from an ingredient from a leading supplier.

Jane Rawling, head of incidents at the FSA, said: “FSA’s advice is that parents, guardians and caregivers should not feed infants or young children with these products.

“Cereulide is a toxin produced by food poisoning bacteria Bacillus cereus, and can cause food poisoning symptoms which can be quick to develop and include vomiting and stomach cramps.

“I want to reassure parents, guardians and caregivers that we are taking urgent action, helping to ensure all of the affected product is removed from sale as a precaution.

“If you have fed this product to a baby and have any concerns about potential health impact, you should seek advice from healthcare professionals by contacting your GP or calling NHS 111.”

Nestle products affected by the recall include SMA Advanced First Infant Milk, 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.

More details about which batches have been recalled can be found on food.gov.uk or on the Nestle website.

The risk statement adds: “The possible presence of cereulide makes these products unsafe to consume.

“Cereulide is a toxin produced by some strains of Bacillus cereus. Cereulide is highly heat stable, meaning it is unlikely to be deactivated or destroyed by cooking, using boiling water or when making the infant milk. If consumed, it can lead to rapid onset of symptoms.”

The problem was caused by an ingredient provided by a leading supplier, Nestle said (Alamy/PA)

Symptoms caused by this toxin include nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps.

In a statement, the company said: “Following the detection of a quality issue with an ingredient provided by a leading supplier, Nestle has undertaken testing of all arachidonic acid (ARA) oil and corresponding oil mixes used in the production of potentially impacted infant nutrition products.

“No illnesses have been confirmed in connection with the products involved to date.

“The company is in contact with UK authorities and as a precautionary measure, is voluntarily recalling specific batches of its SMA infant formula and follow-on formula.

“Nestle assures parents and caregivers that it is implementing appropriate actions to safeguard the health and wellbeing of families and their babies.

“At the same time, the company is working to minimise any potential supply disruption.

“Nestle remains committed to keeping parents, caregivers and the public informed and to providing clear, transparent information and support throughout this process.”