Various products have been recalled (Image: SanyaSM via Getty Images)
The food safety regulator has verified the existence of a food poisoning toxin within certain Nestlé baby formula ranges. The multinational food corporation withdrew multiple batches of its SMA infant formula and follow-on formula products earlier this month following concerns they harboured the cereulide toxin, which may trigger nausea, vomiting and stomach pains when ingested.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has subsequently identified the compromised component in SMA products as arachidonic acid (ARA) oil. This substance serves a vital function in infant growth and is incorporated into formula to guarantee that bottle-fed babies obtain it.
Jodie Wild, head of incidents unit at the FSA, said: “Ongoing investigations have identified that the contamination originated from a shared, third-party, ingredient supplier. The affected ingredient is an oil called arachidonic acid (ARA).
“We are urgently tracing all products that may have used ingredients from this supplier to make sure any affected products are removed from sale.”
The affected items shouldn’t be used (Image: PA)
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Nestlé products impacted by the withdrawal
The ranges impacted 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. The exact batch codes and best-before dates affected are on the FSA website.
On January 23, Danone also recalled a batch of its Aptamil baby formula product over concerns it could contain cereulide.
At the time, the FSA said only one batch sold in the UK was affected, but additional batches in other countries were also affected. It emerged earlier this week that the contamination that led to both recalls originated from a shared, third-party, ingredient supplier.
The recalled batch was Aptamil First Infant Formula, 800g, with a batch code of 31-10-2026. It had a best-before date of October 31, 2026.
Ms Wild added: “Both recalls are due to the presence of cereulide, a toxin that can cause vomiting and nausea. If further recalls are needed, we will announce them immediately.”
The FSA urged people with any affected products to stop using them and switch to an alternative, and to contact their GP or NHS 111 if their baby has already consumed the formula.
If formula is prescribed, parents should speak to a pharmacist or doctors before switching, the FSA said. More detail about which batches have been recalled can be found on food.gov.uk or on the Nestlé website.
A Nestlé spokesperson said: “There has been no change to the status of this recall. Nestle moved quickly and decisively to voluntarily issue a recall notice on January 5, 2026. This was due to the possible presence of cereulide in certain products because of an ingredient used in specific batches.
“We want to reassure everyone that there has been no change to the scope or nature of this recall and we thank everyone who has got in touch with us for their patience and apologise again that we have had to take this action.”
