Major food manufacturer Nestle has issued an urgent recall of certain baby formula products throughout the UK amid fears they may be contaminated with a dangerous food poisoning toxin. The firm confirmed that multiple batches of its SMA infant formula and follow-on formula are unsafe for babies to consume.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) warned that affected batches could contain the cereulide toxin, which may trigger nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps in those who ingest it. Whilst Nestle has issued an apology to customers, the company stressed that no confirmed cases of illness linked to the products have been reported thus far, reports The Mirror.
The contamination stemmed from an ingredient supplied by a major provider, the company revealed. Jane Rawling, head of incidents at the FSA, urged caution: “FSA’s advice is that parents, guardians and caregivers should not feed infants or young children with these products.
“Cereulide is a toxin produced by food poisoning bacteria Bacillus Cereus, and can cause food poisoning symptoms which can be quick to develop and include vomiting, and stomach cramps. “I want to reassure parents, guardians and caregivers that we are taking urgent action, helping to ensure all of the affected product is removed from sale as a precaution.
“If you have fed this product to a baby and have any concerns about potential health impact, you should seek advice from healthcare professionals by contacting your GP or calling NHS 111.”
Nestlé products subject to the recall include SMA Advanced First Infant Milk, SMA Advanced Follow-On Milk, SMA Anti Reflux, SMA Alfamino, SMA First Infant Milk, SMA Little Steps First Infant Milk, SMA Comfort and SMA Lactose Free. Further information regarding which specific batches have been recalled is available on food.gov.uk or via the Nestlé website.
In a statement, the manufacturer said: “Following the detection of a quality issue with an ingredient provided by a leading supplier, Nestle has undertaken testing of all arachidonic acid (ARA) oil and corresponding oil mixes used in the production of potentially impacted infant nutrition products. “No illnesses have been confirmed in connection with the products involved to date.
“The company is in contact with UK authorities and as a precautionary measure, is voluntarily recalling specific batches of its SMA infant formula and follow-on formula. “Nestle assures parents and caregivers that it is implementing appropriate actions to safeguard the health and wellbeing of families and their babies.
“At the same time, the company is working to minimise any potential supply disruption. “Nestle remains committed to keeping parents, caregivers and the public informed and to providing clear, transparent information and support throughout this process.