Nestle issues urgent recall as toxin discovered in baby formula | UK | News
Food poisoning toxin has been confirmed to be present in some of Nestlé’s baby food products. food security guard. Several batches of Nestlé’s SMA baby food and follow-on formulas recalled cereulide concerns by the company earlier this month. When ingested, the toxin can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has confirmed that the affected ingredient in SMA products is arachidonic acid (ARA) oil. This plays an important role in baby development and is added to formula to ensure that non-breastfed babies still receive it. Jodie Wild, Head of the FSA Incidents Unit, said ongoing investigations had established that the contamination originated from a common, third-party ingredient supplier.
He added: “We are urgently pursuing any products that may have used components from this supplier to ensure that the affected products are removed from sale.”
Nestlé products included in the recall include: SMA Advanced First Infant Milk; SMA Advanced Follow-on Milk; SMA Anti Reflux; SMA Alfamino; SMA First Baby Milk; SMA Small Steps First Baby Milk; SMA Comfort; and SMA is Lactose Free.
Danone also recalled a batch of its Aptamil baby food product on January 23 due to concerns it may contain cerulide.
The FSA said only one batch sold in the UK at the time was affected, but other batches in other countries were also affected.
Earlier this week, it was revealed that the contamination that led to both recalls originated from a common third-party ingredient supplier.
Ms Wild said: “Both recalls were due to the presence of cereulide, a toxin that can cause vomiting and nausea. If further recalls are needed, we will announce these immediately.”
The FSA has urged people who own any affected products to stop using them and switch to an alternative. It is also recommended that you contact a GP or NHS 111 if their baby has already consumed the formula.
According to the FSA, if formula is prescribed, parents should speak to a pharmacist or doctor before switching formula.
You can find more details about which batches have been recalled at food.gov.uk or on the Nestlé website.
A Nestlé spokesperson said there was no change in the recall situation.
They added: “Nestlé took swift and decisive action to voluntarily issue a recall notice on 5 January 2026. This was due to the possible presence of cerulidine in certain products due to an ingredient used in certain batches.
“We would like to reassure everyone that there has been no change in the scope or nature of this recall and we thank everyone who contacted us for their patience and apologize again for having to take this action.”
