'Don't feed to your baby': Nestle pulls formula from shelves over toxin fears

 Nestlé has pulled some baby formula from the shelves over fears of a toxin.

The brand says as a precaution it has recalled some batches of its SMA infant formula and follow-on formula due to the potential presence of cereulide.

Cereulide is a toxin produced by some strains of Bacillus cereus and is highly heat stable, meaning it is unlikely to be deactivated or destroyed by cooking, using boiling water or when making the infant milk.

If consumed, it can lead to a rapid onset of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps.

Nestle baby formula pulled from shelves Nestle

A recall notice, issued via the Food Standards Agency, said that even if consumers have not identified ill-health in their baby as a result of consuming it, it is essential to stop using it.

A notice read: “If the infant formula or follow-on formula was prescribed by a health professional for your infant, consult a pharmacist or other medical professional before changing formula.”

Nestlé confirmed it was not aware of any reports of any illness associated with the consumption of the products concerned.

A statement read: “Nevertheless, out of an abundance of caution, Nestlé has decided to perform this voluntary product recall in line with our strict product quality and safety protocols.

“Consumers who may have these batches should not feed this product to their baby.

“We understand that this news may cause concern for parents, and we sincerely apologise for any concern or inconvenience caused to parents, caregivers, and customers.”

Batch codes for the affected products can be found on the base of the tin or box for powdered formulas or the base of the outer box and on the side/top of the container for ready-to-feed formulas.

Customers who have purchased one of the batches are being urged to share a photo of the product and the batch code via https://www.nestle.co.uk/en-gb/getintouch or by calling Nestle’s careline on 0800 0 81 81 80 (UK).

If prescribed one of these batches listed, customers are urged to destroy the product and speak to their Healthcare Professional for advice on an alternative.

All other Nestlé products and other batches of the same product that are not in the scope of the recall are safe to consume.

Jane Rawling, head of incidents at the FSA, said: “FSA’s advice is that parents, guardians and caregivers should not feed infants or young children with these products.

“Cereulide is a toxin produced by food poisoning bacteria Bacillus Cereus, and can cause food poisoning symptoms which can be quick to develop and include vomiting, and stomach cramps.

“I want to reassure parents, guardians and caregivers that we are taking urgent action, helping to ensure all of the affected product is removed from sale as a precaution.

“If you have fed this product to a baby and have any concerns about potential health impact, you should seek advice from healthcare professionals by contacting your GP or calling NHS 111.”