Nestlé recalls several infant formula products over fears of food poisoning

Retailers are requested to remove the implicated batches from sale and display recall notices at point-of-sale.

Nestlé is recalling batches of its SMA infant formula and follow-on formula due to fears about food poisoning, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has confirmed.

Although no illnesses have been reported, the FSAI noted the substance, cereulide, is a toxin produced by some strains of the bacterium Bacillus cereus.

The FSAI advised anyone who has these products at home not to use them with babies or young children. Nestlé is voluntarily recalling the products.

The affected products can also be found listed on the FSAI website. They are:

• SMA Advanced First Infant Milk , 800g with batch code 51450742F1 and expiry date May 2027; 
• SMA Advanced Follow on Milk, 800g with batch code 51240742F2 and expiry date May 2027;
• SMA Advanced Follow on Milk, 800g with batch code 51890742F2 and expiry date August 2027;
• SMA Comfort, 800g with batch code 52620742F3 and expiring September 2027;
• SMA First Infant Milk, 200ml with batch code 53070295M and expiry date November 2026;
• SMA First Infant Milk, 200ml, with batch code 52860295M and expiring October 2026;
• SMA First Infant Milk, 200ml with batch code 52870295M and also expiring in October 2026; 
• SMA First Infant Milk, 200ml with batch code 53220295M and expiring November 2026;
• SMA First Infant Milk, 200ml with batch code 53230295M, also expiring November 2026;
• SMA First Infant Milk, 800g , 51590346AB batch code and expiring June 2027;
• SMA First Infant Milk, 800g, with a batch code 52750346AE and expiring October 2027;
• SMA GOLD PREM 2, 800g and batch code 53090742F2 to expire November 2027;
• SMA LITTLE STEPS First Infant Milk, 800g, 51540346AD to expire in June 2027;
• SMA Alfamino, 400g with batch code 51200017Y3, expiring in April 2027;
• SMA Alfamino, 400g and batch code 51210017Y1 to expire in January 2027;
• SMA Alfamino, 400g and batch code 51250017Y1 to expire in May 2027;
• SMA Alfamino , 400g, and batch code 51460017Y1 to expire in October 2027;
• SMA Alfamino, 400g, with a batch code 51710017Y1 to expire in June 2027.

The FSAI said batch codes can be found on the base of the tin or box for powdered formulas. This is on the base of the outer box and on the side or top of the container for ready-to-feed formulas.

It said: “Cereulide toxin may be pre-formed in a food and is extremely heat resistant. Consumption of foods containing cereulide toxin can lead to nausea and severe vomiting.” 

The symptoms can appear within five hours. Anyone eating this can be ill for six to 24 hours.

However the FSAI said if a child or baby who had these products does not show any symptoms, nothing further needs to be done. Anyone with concerns should contact a GP or other healthcare professional.

Nestlé advised customers to contact the company online, sharing a photo of the product and the batch code via this webpage, or via its careline on 1800-931832.