Local retailers remove Nestle baby formula products over food poisoning fears

By Eyleen Gomez and agencies

Local retailers have removed Nestle branded baby formula products after the company recalled over concerns they may contain a food poisoning toxin.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Agency told the Chronicle it “received an alert from the UK Food Standards Agency last night and issued a recall alert to importers this morning” at 8.44am.

“Morrisons have confirmed that they have actioned a recall and currently have unaffected stock on the shelves,” the spokesperson said.

“Recall notice is in place at Morrisons and customers advised to return the product for a full refund.”

A receipt is not required to make the return.

The spokesperson added that the Food Co have the product in store.

“However, they have been unable to confirm whether they have the batch numbers affected so they have taken a precautionary approach by removing all stock from shelves until the batch numbers are confirmed,” the spokesperson said.

Nestle has said that several batches of its SMA infant formula and follow-on formula were not safe to be fed to babies.

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) said affected batches may contain the cereulide toxin which can cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps, if consumed.

Nestle apologised to customers but said there had been no confirmed reports of any related illness so far.

The problem was caused by an ingredient provided by a leading supplier, it added.

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.”

Nestle products affected by the recall include SMA Advanced First Infant Milk, SMA Advanced Follow-On Milk, SMA Anti Reflux, SMA Alfamino, SMA First Infant Milk, SMA Little Steps First Infant Milk, SMA Comfort and SMA Lactose Free.

More detail about which batches have been recalled can be found on food.gov.uk or on the Nestle website.

In a statement, the company said: “Following the detection of a quality issue with an ingredient provided by a leading supplier, Nestle has undertaken testing of all arachidonic acid (ARA) oil and corresponding oil mixes used in the production of potentially impacted infant nutrition products.”

“No illnesses have been confirmed in connection with the products involved to date.”

“The company is in contact with UK authorities and as a precautionary measure, is voluntarily recalling specific batches of its SMA infant formula and follow-on formula.”

“Nestle assures parents and caregivers that it is implementing appropriate actions to safeguard the health and wellbeing of families and their babies.”

“At the same time, the company is working to minimise any potential supply disruption.”

“Nestle remains committed to keeping parents, caregivers and the public informed and to providing clear, transparent information and support throughout this process.”