Nestlé expands infant formula recall

Nestlé has expanded a recall of infant formula to include almost 20 European countries and the United Kingdom. 

Infant formula and follow-on formula have been recalled because of the potential presence of cereulide. Cereulide is a toxin produced by some strains of Bacillus cereus, which can cause food poisoning.

The initial recall in December 2025 was prompted by a suspicion of Bacillus cereus in an area of ​​the production line at a factory. The problem was discovered during a self-monitoring test at Nestlé’s Nunspeet plant in the Netherlands.

Investigations revealed that cereulide was detected in one of the raw materials from a supplier used in production, leading to the expanded recall. Nestlé has tested arachidonic acid (ARA) oil and corresponding oil mixes used in the production of potentially affected infant nutrition products. 

No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalls.

Nestlé said if the affected products have been consumed and a child experiences symptoms, consumers should contact their healthcare provider.

Various products with wide distribution
Distribution of potentially affected products includes Argentina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Turkey.

A range of different brands are listed in recall notices such as Alfamino, Lactogen Harmony 1, BEBA OptiPro 1, BEBA Comfort 1, BEBA Supreme, BEBA ExpertPro, NAN Sensilac 1, NAN HA 1, NAN Pro 1, NAN ExpertPro, NAN OptiPro, NAN Supreme, NAN Sensitive 1, and Guigoz OptiPro Relais.

In the UK and Ireland, Nestlé recalled certain batches of its SMA infant formula and follow-on formula. Expiry dates range from October 2026 to November 2027.

According to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), cereulide toxin may be pre-formed in a food and is extremely heat resistant. Consumption of foods containing toxin can lead to nausea and severe vomiting. Symptoms can appear within five hours. The duration of illness is usually six to 24 hours.

In a statement, Nestlé said: “Although no confirmed cases of product-related illness have been identified, we understand that the situation may raise concerns among parents. We take any concerns seriously and are monitoring the situation closely.

“We also understand that temporary issues with the availability of products may raise questions. The situation may be reflected in availability fluctuations in some stores, but we are actively working to minimize the impact. We have informed the authorities and are working closely with them.”

In December in Croatia, Aptamil AR 1 infant formula 400-grams with a use-by date of May 17, 2026, and lot number 111444865 was recalled because of the possible presence of Bacillus cereus. It was supplied by Nutricia Export BV in the Netherlands.