The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) advises that Nestlé is voluntarily recalling specific batches of its SMA infant formula and follow-on formula due to the potential presence of cereulide. Cereulide is a toxin produced by some strains of the bacterium Bacillus cereus, which can cause food poisoning.
This recall is a precautionary measure being taken in the interest of public health, and there have been no reported cases of illness to date. The FSAI is advising parents, guardians and caregivers who may have the recalled products at home not to feed them to their infant or young child.
The products and batches being recalled are listed here.
Batch codes can be found on the base of the tin or box for powdered formulas, or the base of the outer box and on the side / top of the container for ready-to-feed formulas.
The FSAI advises that cereulide toxin may be pre-formed in a food and is extremely heat resistant. Consumption of foods containing cereulide toxin can lead to nausea and severe vomiting. Symptoms can appear within five hours. The duration of illness is usually six to twenty-four hours
The FSAI is advising parents, guardians and caregivers who may have the recalled products at home not to feed them to their infant or young child. If no symptoms are displayed, nothing further needs to be done. If a parent, guardian or caregiver is concerned about the health of their infant or young child, they should contact a healthcare professional.
