In a significant food safety alert, multinational food and beverage corporation Nestle has issued a global recall of specific batches of its SMA infant formula and follow-on formula. The recall was initiated after the potential presence of a toxin that can cause food poisoning was detected.
The affected products, sold worldwide, may contain cereulide, a heat-stable toxin that can induce nausea and vomiting upon consumption. The company emphasized that the identified batches are not safe to be fed to babies.
The issue came to light during Nestle’s routine global quality verification processes. Subsequent targeted testing revealed the presence of cereulide in a specific ingredient: arachidonic acid oil, a component used in infant formula manufacturing. The oil was supplied to Nestle by an external supplier.
Conny Sethaelo, Nestle’s Director for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs in the East and Southern Africa Region, provided details in an interview. Sethaelo confirmed that the problematic batch was manufactured on June 15 of this year, meaning the products could have been on shelves for approximately six months.
“Fortunately, right now no sickness or illness has been reported or confirmed, both globally and in South Africa,” Sethaelo stated, characterizing the worldwide recall as a “precautionary measure.” She advised parents to look out for symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea but reiterated that no confirmed cases have been linked to the formula.
Regarding the scope in South Africa, Sethaelo indicated the quantities are “quite limited,” with one specific imported batch identified. The company is working with local authorities to retrieve all affected products from the market.
When pressed on how the contamination bypassed safety controls, Sethaelo explained that the issue originated with a supplied ingredient. “It’s something that came as part of the ingredients that were supplied to Nestle. With our routine testing this was then picked up,” she said. The root cause investigation is ongoing with the supplier.
To prevent a recurrence, Nestle has implemented enhanced global and local monitoring. This includes ongoing testing of all oils and oil mixes, verification of historical batches, additional supply oversight, and close coordination with regulators.
Addressing potential consumer distrust, Sethaelo said Nestle is engaging with healthcare professionals to communicate with parents and has kept its consumer services line open for concerns. The company maintains that the problem is isolated to a specific batch and that heightened testing procedures are now in place.
Consumers in possession of the affected SMA products are urged to discontinue use immediately and contact Nestle for instructions on returning the items.
