Nestle warning over baby formula food poisoning fears

Certain batches of the company’s SMA and follow-on formulas are affected, with the Food Standards Agency warning that they could contain the cereulide toxin, which can lead to nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps if consumed.

So far, there have been no confirmed reports of any related illness.

Nestle has apologised to its customers and stated that the issue originated from an ingredient supplied by a leading supplier.

Monday 5 January 2026 – Nestlé recalls several SMA Infant Formula and Follow-On Formula as a precaution because of the possible presence of cereulide (toxin): https://t.co/7PYs1bHkfE#FoodAlert pic.twitter.com/guUY29Cq6g

— Food Standards Agency (@foodgov) January 5, 2026

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.”

What is a product recall?

If there is a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold, then it might be ‘withdrawn’ (taken off the shelves) or ‘recalled’ (when customers are asked to return the product).

The FSA issues Product Withdrawal Information Notices and Product Recall Information Notices to let consumers and local authorities know about problems associated with food.

In some cases, a ‘Food Alert for Action’ is issued.

This provides local authorities with details of specific actions to be taken on behalf of consumers.