Food and drink giant Nestle has announced a further recall of its SMA baby formula products, expanding a previous safety alert over concerns about a harmful toxin. This latest action adds to over 60 batches recalled last month, highlighting ongoing issues with potential contamination that could pose serious health risks to infants.
Details of the Latest Recall
The newly recalled batch involves 800g packs of SMA Advanced First Infant Milk, marked with a best before date of December 2027 and batch number 53390346AB. According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), this additional batch was supplied in Northern Ireland, though Nestle has clarified it was not distributed to mainland UK. The recall covers a range of SMA products, including powders and pre-mixed formulas designed for newborns and toddlers.
Health Risks and Symptoms
The recall is prompted by fears of cereulide, a heat-resistant toxin that can lead to severe symptoms in babies, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps. In a statement, FSA investigators urged parents and caregivers to stop using any affected products immediately and switch to an alternative formula. They also advised consulting a pharmacist or doctor before changing prescribed formulas and contacting a GP or NHS 111 if a baby has already consumed the recalled formula and shows signs of distress.
Background and Investigation
Initially, Nestle described the recall as a precautionary measure due to the "potential presence" of cereulide. However, last week, the FSA confirmed to Sky News that its investigation had detected the toxin in batches of SMA formula, as well as in one batch of Aptamil formula produced by Danone. The issue is traced back to a contaminated ingredient from a third-party supplier shared by both brands.
Nestle's Response and Assurance
In response to this latest recall, a Nestle spokesperson stated that the products were sold in Ireland and may have reached Northern Ireland, but not mainland UK. They attributed the recall to the possible presence of cereulide from a contaminated ingredient and noted that all batches have now been reassessed using an updated methodology. The company assured that no further recalls are expected, as all products have been evaluated against this new standard.
Implications for Consumers
This incident underscores broader concerns about food safety in the baby formula market, particularly regarding supply chain vulnerabilities. Parents are advised to check batch numbers against the full list provided by authorities and remain vigilant for any health issues in their children. The FSA continues to monitor the situation, emphasizing the importance of swift action to protect infant health.
