Zim GBC News | International Desk
Zurich, Switzerland – Nestlé, the world’s largest infant nutrition company, has initiated a massive recall of infant formula across 25 countries due to a potential contamination risk from a toxin that can cause severe nausea and vomiting. Austrian authorities have called it the largest recall in the company’s history.
The recall affects several prominent brands, including SMA, BEBA, and NAN, sold mainly across Europe, as well as in Turkey and Argentina. The action follows the detection of a quality issue in an ingredient—arachidonic acid oil—supplied by an external partner.
“With testing now complete, Nestlé has recalled affected batches and is activating alternative suppliers,” a company spokesperson stated.
The potential contaminant is cereulide, a toxin produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus bacteria.
According to Britain’s Food Standards Agency, the toxin is heat-resistant.
“Cereulide can cause food poisoning symptoms which can be quick to develop and include vomiting and stomach cramps,” said Jane Rawling, head of incidents at the agency.
The recall, which began on a smaller scale in December, has expanded significantly.
Austria’s health ministry reported that more than 800 products from over 10 Nestlé factories are involved. Nestlé noted it could not independently verify those figures but confirmed the wide scope.
“No illnesses have been confirmed in connection with the recalled products,” Nestlé emphasized.
However, regulators are urging caution. The Dutch food safety authority, NVWA, indicated the contaminated raw material had been used at multiple production sites.
The recall presents an early challenge for Nestlé’s new CEO, Philipp Navratil, who is leading a strategic review amid recent management changes. The company’s shares fell more than 3% following the announcement.
Nestlé controls nearly a quarter of the global infant nutrition market, valued at $92.2 billion.
The affected products fall under its Nutrition and Health Science division, which accounted for 16.6% of total group sales in 2024.
The company has published batch numbers for recalled items and is working to ramp up production at alternative sites.
“We are accelerating the release of unaffected products from distribution centres to limit supply disruption,” the spokesperson added.
Food safety authorities in affected countries are advising parents and caregivers to check product codes carefully and follow official guidance.
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