Nestlé Baby Formula Recalled Worldwide Amid Toxic Contamination Fears

Nestlé has issued a major global recall of infant formula products sold under brands including SMA, BEBA, NAN, Beba, Guigoz, Lactogen Harmony and Alfamino, after they were found to be potentially contaminated with cereulide, a toxin produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus.

The recall, which began in December 2025, affects baby food products distributed across Europe, the Americas, Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East, with nearly 50 countries officially impacted, according to the company and Reuters.

Nestlé says no illnesses have been linked to the affected products so far.

Cereulide is known to cause acute gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly dangerous for infants.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms of ingestion include:

• Abdominal pain
• Stomach cramps
• Watery diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Health authorities have urged parents and caregivers to stop using affected products immediately and seek medical advice if symptoms appear.

Nestlé: “Food Safety Remains Our Top Priority”

In a statement, Nestlé emphasized that consumer safety remains central to its response.

“Food safety and the well-being of all infants remain our top priority,” Nestlé said.

“We understand that this news may cause concern, and we are committed to providing clear, transparent information and support for parents and caregivers throughout this process.”

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The company added that it has since inspected arachidonic acid (ARA) oil and related oil blends used in infant formula production and activated alternative suppliers as a precautionary measure.

Authorities Knew in December, Public Alerts Came Weeks Later

However, consumer advocacy groups have raised serious concerns over delays in public disclosure.

Nestlé reportedly informed Dutch food authorities on December 9, 2025, about the possible contamination.

On December 12, Italy triggered an internal RASFF (Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed) alert, but several countries, including Austria, did not issue public warnings until January 5, 2026.

Austria has since described the incident as “the largest recall campaign in the company’s history.”

The consumer group Foodwatch strongly criticized both Nestlé and regulators, saying the delay put infants at unnecessary risk.

“It is unacceptable that information is released to us in dribs and drabs,” said Nicole van Gemert, Director of foodwatch Netherlands.

“Almost a month passed before these massive infant formula recalls by Nestlé, yet traceability, particularly for baby products, should be immediate.”

Traceability System Under Scrutiny

Authorities believe the contamination originated from a tainted raw material, but the exact source and supply chain have not yet been fully identified.

Consumer groups say this highlights serious weaknesses in the EU’s food traceability system, especially for products intended for babies.

The recall adds to a series of food safety controversies involving Nestlé in recent years.

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In 2025, the company:

• Recalled infant formula in Belgium and Luxembourg over Cronobacter spp.
• Pulled products in France due to ochratoxin A contamination

Foodwatch has also reported findings of potentially carcinogenic mineral oil residues in Nestlé baby foods and notes that the company is currently facing lawsuits in the United States over heavy metals found in baby food products.

Separately, Nestlé has faced legal action over E. coli-contaminated Buitoni pizzas linked to child deaths in France, and controversy over illegally filtered bottled water sold under brands including Perrier.

Foodwatch is now calling for tougher penalties against companies that delay safety warnings.

“Stronger enforcement of food safety laws is urgently needed,” the group said.

“Companies that delay public warnings or withhold critical safety information must face real, deterrent sanctions. So far, the consequences for such violations have been far too lenient.”

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The image shows some of the brands recalled by Nestle because of possible contamination
PHOTO/Courtesy/FoodWatch