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Nestle has announced a voluntary recall of specific infant formula batches across Europe. The recall affects SMA, BEBA, and NAN baby and follow-on milks after traces of the heat-resistant toxin cereulide were suspected. No illnesses have been reported so far, but parents are advised to avoid using the affected products and return them to the place of purchase. The move raises renewed attention to infant milk safety across the continent.
Nestle revealed that quality checks identified a potential contamination of cereulide, a toxin produced by Bacillus cereus, in some of its infant formula products. The toxin can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps and is resistant to heat, meaning standard preparation or boiling will not eliminate it. The company emphasized that the recall is precautionary and voluntary, and no confirmed illness cases have been linked to the affected batches. The announcement underscores the importance of vigilant infant milk safety monitoring across Europe.
The recall includes SMA, BEBA, and NAN baby and follow-on milk products, sold under different brand names such as Guigoz and Nidal in France and Beba and Alfamino in Germany. Products have been withdrawn from shelves in Austria, Germany, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland, the U.K., France, Sweden, and some markets in Norway. Austria’s Health Ministry described the recall as one of the largest in the company’s history, involving more than 800 items across multiple production sites.
Parents are advised to check batch numbers printed on product packaging, as they are crucial for identifying affected items and ensuring the safety of infants.
European food safety authorities, together with Nestlé, have urged parents not to use affected infant milk and to return products to the original point of purchase for a full refund. German authorities specifically highlighted that children should not consume these products and recommended seeking medical advice if any symptoms occur. Keeping track of official recall lists and safety notices remains vital for European families.
The recall represents a significant challenge for Nestle, testing both its operational resilience and consumer trust in Europe’s infant formula market. The company has pledged to strengthen quality control measures across its production chain to prevent similar incidents and has issued official communications to inform parents and healthcare professionals. This recall highlights the importance of strict safety standards in infant nutrition and food safety across Europe.
The voluntary recall serves as a critical reminder for families to monitor official guidance and for authorities to maintain rigorous safety oversight in the infant formula sector.
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