“ Nestlé has initiated a voluntary recall of select infant formula batches in multiple countries over a potential cereulide toxin risk. Here’s what regulators and the company have said, affected regions, and guidance for parents.”
Written By: Pharmacally Medical News Desk
Nestlé infant formula recall: regulatory situation update
Nestlé has initiated a voluntary recall of select batches of infant and follow-on formula products in multiple international markets after identifying a potential food safety concern related to cereulide, a heat-stable toxin associated with certain strains of Bacillus cereus. The recall was first announced in early January 2026 and has since expanded as national authorities reviewed market-specific distribution data.
According to Nestlé and public food safety advisories, the recall is precautionary and limited to specific batches, not entire product ranges. Regulatory agencies in affected countries have issued parallel notices advising consumers to verify batch codes and discontinue use of listed products.
What triggered the recall
As per Nestlé’s statements, the issue was identified during routine quality monitoring in late December 2025. The company indicated that a third-party supplied ingredient, arachidonic acid (ARA) oil used in certain formulations, was associated with the potential risk.
Following this finding, Nestlé notified relevant food safety authorities and began coordinated product withdrawals in markets where the affected batches had been distributed. National regulators have confirmed that the action was taken as a preventive measure while further reviews continue.
Understanding the safety concern
Cereulide is a toxin that can be produced by specific strains of Bacillus cereus under certain conditions. Food safety authorities note that cereulide is heat stable, meaning it is not destroyed by boiling water or standard preparation methods used for infant formula.
Health agencies have stated that cereulide exposure can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and abdominal discomfort, typically occurring within hours of ingestion. Infants are considered a sensitive population, which is why authorities generally recommend precautionary recalls even in the absence of confirmed illness.
As of the latest official updates, no confirmed adverse health events have been publicly linked to the recalled Nestlé batches.
Scope of the recall
Based on company disclosures and regulatory notices, the recall currently spans dozens of countries across multiple regions, including parts of:
- Europe
- The Middle East and North Africa
- Africa
- Asia-Pacific
- The Americas
The exact list of affected countries and products varies by market, depending on local manufacturing, import, and distribution patterns. Authorities continue to update recall notices as traceability assessments progress.
Country-level status overview
Europe (UK, Ireland, EU):
Food safety authorities have issued recall alerts covering specific batches of SMA, NAN, BEBA, and Alfamino products. Retailers have been instructed to remove listed batches, and consumers are advised to consult official batch lists.
Middle East and North Africa:
Nestlé MENA and national regulators in countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia have published consumer advisories and stop-sale instructions for identified batches.
Other international markets:
Several countries in Africa, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas have issued targeted recalls based on local supply chains. The scope and batch lists differ by country.
India: Nestlé India has stated that the recalled batches were not imported into or sold in India. According to the company, infant formula products sold in India are manufactured locally and comply with domestic food safety regulations. No recall has been announced in the Indian market.
Products involved and batch information
Regulators and Nestlé have published product- and batch-specific recall lists in affected countries. These notices include selected batches from product categories such as:
- SMA infant and follow-on formulas
- NAN Special Pro, NAN OptiPro, and related variants
- BEBA follow-on formulas
- Alfamino specialized formulas
- S-26 Ultima products in certain markets
Important clarification:
Product names alone do not indicate a recall. Only products with matching batch codes listed in official country-specific notices are affected. Batch lists are subject to change, and consumers should always consult the latest guidance from local food safety authorities or Nestlé’s official country websites.
Guidance for parents and caregivers
Food safety authorities and Nestlé recommend the following steps:
- Check the batch code printed on the tin or carton against official recall notices in your country
- Stop using the product immediately if the batch code matches a recall list
- Follow return or refund instructions provided by retailers or Nestlé consumer services
- Consult a paediatrician if an infant experiences persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual lethargy after consumption
- Monitor official updates, as recall lists may expand or be revised
Company response and next steps
Nestlé has stated that it is cooperating with food safety authorities, has halted distribution of affected batches, and is working with its supplier to address the identified issue. The company has emphasized that the recall represents a limited portion of its infant nutrition portfolio and that products not included in recall notices remain available.
Regulatory reviews and supplier assessments are ongoing. Additional updates are expected as authorities complete their evaluations and publish revised guidance where necessary.
External commentary and advocacy response
Consumer advocacy group Foodwatch has been publicly critical of the timing and communication surrounding the recall. According to statements cited in media reports, Foodwatch questioned whether information about the potential risk could have been communicated earlier to consumers.
Foodwatch does not have regulatory authority and is not involved in recall enforcement. Nestlé and national food safety authorities have stated that the recall was initiated as soon as the potential issue was identified and assessed, and that the action was taken on a precautionary basis.
Editorial note
This article reflects information available from Nestlé statements, national food safety authorities, and public regulatory notices at the time of publication. Recall scope and batch details may change as investigations continue.
References
Infant formula product advisory, Nestle, https://www.nestle.com/ask-nestle/products-brands/answers/infant-formula-product-advisory
Nestlé removes infant formula from SA and other countries over toxin risk, 07 January 2026, https://www.medicalbrief.co.za/nestle-recalls-infant-formula-in-25-countries-over-toxin-risk/
Massive Nestlé Baby Food Recall, 08 January 2026, FoodWatch, https://www.foodwatch.org/en/massive-nestle-baby-food-recall
Nestlé recalls several SMA Infant Formula and Follow-On Formula as a precaution because of the possible presence of cereulide (toxin), Food Standard Agency 06 January 2026, https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-02-2026
Update 1 – Nestlé recalls several SMA Infant Formula and Follow-On Formula as a precaution because of the possible presence of cereulide (toxin), 08 January 2026, Food Standard Agency, https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-02-2026-update-1
SFDA Issues Warning Against Specific Nestlé Infant Formula Products, 06 January 2026, https://beta.sfda.gov.sa/en/node/5520880
SMA infant formula and follow-on formula recall, FSAI, 05 January 2026, https://www.fsai.ie/news-and-alerts/latest-news/sma-infant-formula-and-follow-on-formula-recall
Nestle infant formula recall widens to Africa, the Americas and Asia, Reuters, 07 January 2026, https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/nestle-infant-formula-recall-widens-china-brazil-2026-01-07/
Nestlé India does not import or sell any of the affected products or batches that have been withdrawn or recalled. All infant formula brands sold in India are manufactured locally, 07 January 2026, https://www.nestle.in/media/statements/nestl%C3%A9-india-does-not-import-or-sell-any-affected-products-or-batches-have-been-withdrawn-or