Nestle recalls some baby formula products over toxin fears

"Nestle has recalled some baby formula products over concerns they contain a toxin which can cause food poisoning. The food and drink giant said specific batches of its SMA infant formula and follow-on formula were not safe to be fed to babies. It said the batches potentially contain cereulide, which can cause nausea and vomiting when consumed. The company said there had been no confirmed reports of illness associated with the products, but was recalling them "out of an abundance of caution"."

"Nestle promised refunds for affected customers and said the problem was caused by an ingredient provided by one of its suppliers. Batch numbers of the affected products can be found on Nestle's website or through food.gov.uk. Customers are advised to look for the corresponding code on the base of the tin or box for powdered formulas or the base of the outer box and on the side or top of the container for ready-to-feed formulas."

"Cereulide is a toxin produced by some strains of the Bacillus cereus bacteria that can cause food poisoning symptoms, which can be quick to develop and include vomiting, and stomach cramps. It is unlikely to be deactivated or destroyed by cooking, using boiling water or when making the infant milk, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) warned. The FSA's head of incidents, Jane Rawling, said parents, guardians and caregivers should not feed infants or young children the affected products."

Specific batches of SMA infant formula and follow-on formula have been recalled because they may contain cereulide, a toxin produced by some Bacillus cereus strains that can cause rapid-onset vomiting and stomach cramps. There have been no confirmed illness reports, but affected products are being removed from sale and refunds will be offered. The contamination was linked to an ingredient from a supplier. Consumers should check batch codes on product bases or boxes via Nestlé's website or food.gov.uk. The Food Standards Agency warns that cereulide is unlikely to be destroyed by heating and advises against feeding the affected products to infants and young children.

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