Nestlé has announced a global recall of specific batches of SMA brand infant formula, due to the possibility that they may contain a dangerous toxin that could cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, and in rare cases, death.
Nestlé recalls batches of baby milk globally due to contamination with a deadly toxin.
The company, a leader in the food and beverage sector, explained that the recall decision came after discovering that some products were unsuitable for use by infants, noting the possibility that they contained "cerolid," a potentially fatal poison that could lead to rapid health symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
For its part, the British Food Standards Agency (FSA) warned that the substance "Cerulide" is highly heat-resistant, meaning that it is not damaged by boiling or during the preparation of infant formula, stressing the need to comply with the recall procedures.
Nestlé confirmed that no confirmed cases of illness have yet been recorded related to these products, but stressed that the recall is being carried out "out of an abundance of caution," emphasizing that "the safety and well-being of children" is its "top priority."
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The company urged consumers who own the affected batches to immediately stop feeding these products to their children, and apologized for any concern or inconvenience this action may cause to parents and caregivers.
In the same context, Jane Rawling, head of the FSA's accident department, urged parents and caregivers to be cautious, stressing that the agency is taking urgent action to ensure that all affected products are withdrawn from the market.
Rowling said: "If children have ingested this product and there are any concerns about its potential health effects, medical advice should be sought immediately by contacting a general practitioner."
The agency indicated that other Nestle products are believed to be unaffected, and that the source of the contamination is attributed to an ingredient supplied by one of the company's suppliers.
Nestlé confirmed that all affected customers will receive a full refund.
Customers were advised to check the batch code on the base of the metal or cardboard containers of powdered infant formula, while the code for ready-to-use infant formula appears on the base, side, or top of the outer container.
It is worth noting that the substance "cerulide" is produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus bacteria, and may cause symptoms similar to food poisoning that usually appear within a short period of time.
