Nestle recalls some baby formula products over toxin fears

Nestle has issued a global recall of 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.

The batches were sold across the world, Nestle said, and they potentially contain cereulide, which can trigger 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".

Batch numbers of the affected products in the UK can be found on Nestle's UK 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.

She added: "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."

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