Nestlé recalls some baby formula batches over food poisoning toxin fears

Nestlé has recalled certain batches of SMA infant formula and follow-on formula sold globally after concerns they may contain a toxin linked to food poisoning.

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Published: January 6, 2026 at 10:21 AM

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Nestlé has announced a global recall of specific batches of its formula after concerns they may contain a toxin that can cause food poisoning.

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The food giant said that certain batches of SMA infant formula and follow-on products were being recalled as a precaution, stressing that there have been no confirmed reports of illness linked to the affected formulas. However, parents and carers are being advised not to feed babies the recalled products and to check batch codes carefully.

The recall affects products sold worldwide, including in the UK and across Europe.

Which baby formula products are affected?

Nestlé said the recall applies only to specific batches of its SMA infant formula and SMA follow-on formula.

The company confirmed to the BBC that the recall is global, with affected products sold in several European countries including France, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Italy and Sweden. In France, the formulas are sold under the Guigoz and Nidal brands, while in Germany they are known as Beba and Alfamino.

Nestlé stressed that all other products and batches not included in the recall are safe to consume.

Why are the products being recalled?

The concern relates to possible contamination with cereulide, a toxin produced by some strains of Bacillus cereus bacteria.

According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), cereulide can cause food poisoning symptoms such as vomiting and stomach cramps, which can develop quickly after consumption. The FSA also warned that the toxin is unlikely to be destroyed by cooking, boiling water or when preparing infant milk.

Nestlé said the issue was linked to an ingredient supplied by one of its suppliers.

What has Nestlé said?

Nestlé said it was recalling the products “out of an abundance of caution” and apologised to families: "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."

“The safety and wellbeing of babies is our absolute priority,” the company said. “We sincerely apologise for any concern or inconvenience caused to parents, caregivers, and customers.”

"Consumers who may have these batches should not feed this product to their baby," Nestle said. They are offering refunds to affected customers.

Advice for parents and carers

The FSA has advised parents, guardians and caregivers not to feed infants or young children any of the affected products.

Jane Rawling, head of incidents at the FSA, said: “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.”

How to check if your formula is affected

Parents are advised to check the batch number on their baby formula packaging.

For powdered formulas, the code can usually be found on the base of the tin or box. For ready-to-feed formulas, it may be on the base of the outer box and on the side or top of the container.

A full list of affected UK batch numbers is available on Nestlé’s UK website and via the Food Standards Agency website.

What should you do if you have the recalled formula?

If you have one of the affected products, do not use it. Nestlé has said customers will be eligible for a refund.

If your baby has already consumed the formula and you are worried about symptoms such as vomiting or stomach pain, seek medical advice promptly.

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For many parents, feeding choices already come with enough worry, so recalls like this can feel unsettling. The key message from both Nestlé and the FSA is that the recall is precautionary, and swift action is being taken to protect babies and reassure families.

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