Nestlé Pulls Baby Formula Milk in 49 Countries Due to Alleged Poison Contamination

Nestle (Photo: Shutterstock)

JAKARTA - Nestlé has recalled baby milk formula products in 49 countries. This step was taken after the potential for contamination was found in several SMA, BEBA, and NAN brands of baby formula products that could trigger serious health disorders such as nausea and vomiting.

According to a Reuters report, this recall has been underway since last December. The formula milk products are marketed in various regions, especially Europe, Turkey, to Argentina. The suspected contamination comes from cereulide, a toxin produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus, a bacterium known to cause food poisoning.

Nestlé emphasizes that food safety and infant health remain the company's top priority.

"Food safety and the well-being of all babies are our top priorities. We understand that this information may cause concern, and we are committed to providing clear, transparent information, as well as support for parents and caregivers during this process," Nestle said in a statement, as reported by USA Today.

Until now, Nestlé has stated that there have been no reports of diseases or health cases directly linked to the products being withdrawn. Even so, a total of 49 countries are affected in this withdrawal. Nestlé also ensures that there are no baby milk formula products in the United States that are withdrawn due to this poison contamination.

The products being recalled vary in each country. However, in general, SMA, BEBA, and NAN infant formula, which are mostly sold in European countries, are the main focus of the recall.

After the recall announcement, Nestlé conducted a thorough examination of arachidonic acid (ARA) and other oil mixtures used in the production of infant formula milk. The company has also activated alternative suppliers to ensure the safety of raw materials in the future.

Cereulide contamination can cause a number of symptoms in infants. Based on information from the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms that may appear include abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, watery diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Parents are urged to seek medical help immediately if infants show these signs after consuming formula milk.

The affected areas of the withdrawal include many countries. In the European region, among others, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Macedonia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, England, and Ukraine. In the American region, there are Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay.

For the Asia and Oceania region, withdrawals are carried out in Australia, mainland China including cross-border e-commerce channels, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and the Philippines. Meanwhile, in the Middle East and North Africa region, the affected countries include Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Nestlé reiterated its commitment to continue monitoring the situation and working with local authorities in each country. The company stated that it would continue to provide information updates to the public in order to maintain trust and ensure the safety of consumers, especially infants and children.