Nestlé has recalled several of its baby formula products after concerns that they may contain a toxin capable of causing nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps.

Also read: Durban SPCA takes in over 100 animals over festive season

The company said a number of batches of its SMA infant formula and follow-on formula were not safe to be fed to babies. The recall follows the identification of a potential contamination with cereulide, a toxin produced by the food-poisoning bacterium Bacillus cereus.

In an interview with the SABC, Nestlé Corporate Communication and Public Affairs Director Conny Sethaelo said limited quantities of the affected products had been exported from one of the countries involved. She confirmed that no symptoms or illnesses had been reported to date.

“The affected batch was manufactured in June last year. We have put measures in place to ensure these products are withdrawn from traders,” Sethaelo told SABC News.

Nestlé explained that cereulide can cause food-poisoning symptoms that may develop quickly and include vomiting and stomach cramps.

“We 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,” the company said.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) in the UK also warned that affected batches may contain the cereulide toxin, which can lead to nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps if consumed.

Nestlé apologised to customers and said there have been no confirmed reports of related illness so far. The company added that the issue was linked to an ingredient supplied by a leading supplier.

The affected products include:

•  SMA Advanced First Infant Milk 800g
•  SMA Advanced Follow-On Milk 800g
•  SMA First Infant Milk 800g
•  SMA First Infant Milk 400g
•  SMA First Infant Milk 1.2kg
• SMA Little Steps First Infant Milk 800g
• SMA Comfort 800g
• SMA First Infant Milk 200ml
• SMA First Infant Milk 70ml
• SMA Lactose Free
• SMA Anti Reflux 800g
• Alfamino 400g
• SMA Gold Prem 2 800g

Consumers are advised not to use the affected products and to follow guidance issued by Nestlé and food safety authorities. Click here for batch numbers.

For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or  Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here