Nestlé has issued a precautionary recall of certain infant formula batches in several European countries after detecting a quality issue in an ingredient supplied by a third party. The company is testing arachidonic acid oil and related blends used in production and says no illnesses have been confirmed so far. Nestlé France has voluntarily recalled specific Guigoz and Nidal batches after tests suggested possible traces of cereulide; batch numbers, return instructions and a consumer helpline have been posted on local websites.
Nestlé Recalls Infant Formula Batches Across Europe After Supplier Quality Concern
Nestle said it was in contact with authorities in the relevant countries (Fabrice COFFRINI)(Fabrice COFFRINI/AFP/AFP)
Swiss food giant Nestlé on Monday announced a precautionary recall of certain infant formula batches sold in multiple European countries after identifying a quality issue in an ingredient supplied by a major vendor.
According to a statement on the company's website, Nestlé has begun targeted testing of all arachidonic acid (ARA) oil and related oil blends used in the production of potentially affected infant nutrition products.
Scope and Response
The recall affects products sold in several countries, notably France, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Italy and Sweden. Nestlé said it is working closely with the relevant national authorities to ensure "the necessary steps are taken" and to provide information to consumers.
Products and Potential Risk
Nestlé France has initiated a "preventive and voluntary recall" of specific batches of its Guigoz and Nidal infant formulas after investigations suggested a possible presence of cereulide — a toxin associated with certain strains of Bacillus cereus that can cause digestive symptoms. Nestlé emphasized that no illnesses have been confirmed to date in connection with the affected products.
Local versions of the group's websites display images listing batch numbers for the affected items. The same formulas are marketed under different brand names in other countries—for example, Beba and Alfamino in Germany.
What Nestlé Is Doing
The company published instructions for consumers on how to return impacted products and obtain refunds, and provided a consumer helpline to answer questions. Nestlé said it is conducting comprehensive testing of the relevant oils and oil mixes and will update authorities and customers as results become available.
"Nestlé assures parents and caregivers that it is implementing appropriate actions, including a product recall where necessary," the company said.
Advice For Parents and Caregivers
Parents and caregivers should check product packaging for batch numbers published on Nestlé's local websites and follow the company's return and refund instructions if they own an affected batch. If you have health concerns about an infant who consumed a recalled product, contact a healthcare professional or local health authority promptly.
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