Cereulide was detected in arachidonic acid (ARA) oil used during the production of its infant formulas.
“ARA oil is used in a range of different infant nutrition products sold globally, so this issue impacts multiple countries, brands, and products,” Nestlé shared in its infant formula product advisory. “The specific brands and products impacted differ on a country-by-country basis.”
In Hong Kong, Nestlé put up a voluntary recall notice for products under the Nestlé NAN and Wyeth range yesterday (Jan. 6), while a product recall advisory was issued in Australia and New Zealand today for the specialist infant formula Alfamino.
Six Nestlé NAN products were affected by the recall in Hong Kong, including NAN PRO 3 BL 2 HMO 800g, the stage one to four products of NAN Infinipro 7HMO 800g, and the 350g version of NAN Infinipro1 7HMO.
These products expire between July and November next year.
Another 12 product SKUs from the Nestlé Wyeth range were also affected by the recall. They include S-26 ULTIMA 2 800g, ILLUMA HA1 BL 2HMO 800g, ILLUMA ORG2 800g, ILLUMA LUXA 1 800g, and ILLUMA ATWO 1 800g.
These products are sold in Hong Kong and also on cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) platforms.
Nestlé similarly released a recall notice in Mainland China, where 41 batches of products were affected, including Nestlé BEBA Supreme 2 800g and Nestlé NAN Infinipro A2 6HMO stage 1 products. The products expire between June this year and October next year.
The Alfamino products sold in Australia and New Zealand are mainly prescribed and available through hospitals, pharmacies, and general practitioners, although a small amount could have been purchased over the counter at pharmacies or online.
The products sold in Hong Kong were made in Switzerland and Germany, while those sold in Australia and New Zealand were made in Switzerland.
‘A precautionary measure’
No illnesses have been confirmed in connection with the products involved to date, Nestlé stated.
New Zealand Food Safety also noted that no associated illnesses have been reported so far.
“The safety of infants is our top priority, and we apologize for any concern this may cause,” said Nestlé Health Science, General Manager, Michael Edde said. “This recall is a precautionary measure, in line with our strict product quality and safety protocols.”
Symptoms to look out for include severe or persistent vomiting, diarrhea or unusual lethargy, which typically appear between 30 minutes and six hours after any exposure.
A full root-cause analysis in progress
Nestlé said it has decided to test all ARA and corresponding oil mixes used in the production of its potentially affected infant nutrition products because the presence of cereulide in oils is “very uncommon.”
Cereulide is a substance of bacterial origin that causes foodborne illness and is created by certain strains of the microorganism Bacillus cereus.
“The presence of cereulide in oils is very uncommon, and Nestlé is working with the oil supplier, who is conducting a full root-cause analysis,” Nestlé stated.
“Following the detection of a quality issue with an ingredient provided by a leading supplier, Nestlé has undertaken testing of all arachidonic acid (ARA) oil and corresponding oil mixes used in the production of its potentially affected infant nutrition products. No illnesses have been confirmed in connection with the products involved to date.”
The company also said that it was contacting authorities in affected markets to ensure the necessary steps were taken.
Aside from Asia-Pacific, product recalls have been issued in European and South American countries.
Less than 0.5% of annual group sales
Nestlé said that the batches of infant formula products included in the recall represented “less than 0.5% of annual group sales.”
It added that the financial impact of the recall was “not expected to be significant” for the company.
