Nestle recalls powdered milk in 25 countries due to toxin contamination

Nestle group recalls numerous batches of infant formula globally due to the risk of Cereulide toxin contamination, which can cause vomiting and abdominal pain.

A representative for the Swiss food and beverage company confirmed on 6/1 that the recall includes SMA powdered milk and follow-on formula products. The campaign began on a small scale in 12/2025 and officially expanded this month after the company completed necessary safety tests, according to Reuters. The incident's cause was identified as an ingredient supplied by a partner, potentially containing Cereulide – a toxin produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus.

Nestle apologizes for the global recall of some infant formula products. Photo: iStock.

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) warned that Cereulide causes rapid-onset food poisoning with typical symptoms including vomiting and stomach cramps. Experts state this toxin is highly heat-stable, making it difficult to break down even when boiled or during normal milk preparation.

Jane Rawling, Head of Incident Management at the FSA, advised caregivers to immediately stop using products on the warning list. "If a child has consumed the product and shows unusual symptoms, families should contact a doctor or the nearest medical facility immediately," Rawling said.

In Europe, the recall affects brands such as Guigoz and Nidal in France, and Beba and Alfamino in Germany. Consumers should check the batch code printed on the bottom of the can for powdered milk or the outer packaging for ready-to-feed milk to compare it with the list published on the company's official website. Other product lines not on this list remain safe for use.

Data from SkyQuest Technology Group indicates Nestle holds nearly one-quarter of the global infant nutrition market share. While not separating data for individual products, the Nutrition and Health Science segment still accounted for a significant portion (16.6%) of the company's total revenue of 115 billion USD in 2024. To ensure safety, the group has specifically listed the batches subject to recall, warned consumers, and committed to working closely with regulatory authorities in various countries.

Regarding the Vietnamese market, a Nestle representative stated they are working closely with local authorities, and no specific information is available yet.