Nestlé launches voluntary infant formula recall across multiple regions

Rabat – Nestlé has announced a voluntary recall of specific batches of infant formula products sold in several markets worldwide after identifying a quality issue linked to an ingredient supplied by a third party.

The company said that the action was taken as a precaution and confirmed that there have been no reported cases of illness in relation to the affected items to date.

The recall follows the detection of a possible issue involving arachidonic acid oil, referred to as ARA oil, used in various brands of infant nutrition.

Nestlé stated it has conducted testing on all ARA oil and related oil blends involved in the potentially affected infant formulas and is closely cooperating with health authorities in the concerned countries to ensure necessary measures are taken.

Potential concern linked to a rare bacterial toxin

According to Nestlé, the recall is related to the possible presence of cereulide, a toxin of bacterial origin that can cause foodborne illness.

Cereulide is produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus and is considered very uncommon in oils.

The company said that they are “working with the oil supplier, who is conducting a full root-cause analysis,” to determine how the issue occurred.

According to Nestlé, possible symptoms of exposure to Cereulide include severe or persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual lethargy, typically appearing within 30 minutes to six hours following exposure.

However, the company stressed that no cases of illness have been confirmed in relation to the recalled products.

Markets and products affected

The recall affects select batches of infant formula sold across Europe, the Americas, and parts of Asia, Africa, and Oceania.

In the Middle Eastern and North African region, Nestlé reported that specific batches of NAN, S26, and ALFAMINO infant formulas have been recalled in eight countries, including Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

The company also clarified that the affected batches are different in each country, and that all other Nestlé products, as well as other batches of the same formulas not included in the recall, are safe to consume.

Some countries in the MENA region, such as Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Jordan, are not affected by the recall.

Guidance for parents and caregivers

Nestlé has advised parents and caregivers to stop using the products involved in the recall and to check the batch numbers printed on the bottom of infant formula tins.

Consumers who have products from these affected batches are urged to contact their local Nestlé Consumer Engagement Center to arrange a refund or replacement, with contact numbers provided by country.

The company said it has already notified distributors and customers holding the affected batches and issued instructions to block and remove the products from store shelves in cooperation with local authorities.

Limited financial impact expected

Nestlé said the recalled batches represent significantly less than 0.5% of its annual group sales and that the financial impact of the recall is not expected to be material.

The company added that it is also working to minimize any potential supply disruptions while continuing to provide updates through local Nestlé and product brand websites.

Nestlé stated that food safety and the well-being of infants remain its top priority, and it remains committed to transparent communication with parents, caregivers, and the public throughout the recall process.