The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has ordered the immediate recall of multiple SMA infant formula products manufactured by Nestlé after detecting a bacterial toxin that can cause severe illness in children, including newborns. The recall affects several batches across nine product lines.
The toxin, called cereulide, is produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus. Consumption of food containing this toxin can cause severe vomiting and nausea, with symptoms typically appearing within five hours of ingestion and potentially lasting up to 24 hours. The discovery prompted swift action to remove affected products from circulation.
The FSAI has strongly advised anyone who has purchased these products not to use them under any circumstances. Consumers should contact Nestlé directly through their customer service portal at https://www.nestle.co.uk/en-gb/getintouch for information about returns and refunds.
The following products are included in the recall:
SMA Advanced First Infant Milk 800g – Batch 51450742F1, expires May 2027
SMA Advanced Follow on Milk 800g – Batches 51240742F2 (expires May 2027) and 51890742F2 (expires August 2027)
SMA Comfort 800g – Batch 52620742F3, expires September 2027
SMA First Infant Milk 200ml – Batches 53070295M (expires November 2026), 52860295M (expires October 2026), 52870295M (expires October 2026), 53220295M (expires November 2026), and 53230295M (expires November 2026)
SMA First Infant Milk 800g – Batches 51590346AB (expires June 2027) and 52750346AE (expires October 2027)
SMA GOLD PREM 2 800g – Batch 53090742F2, expires November 2027
SMA LITTLE STEPS First Infant Milk 800g – Batch 51540346AD, expires June 2027
SMA Alfamino 400g – Batches 51200017Y3 (expires April 2027), 51210017Y1 (expires January 2027), 51250017Y1 (expires May 2027), 51460017Y1 (expires October 2027), and 51710017Y1 (expires June 2027)
Parents and caregivers should check their infant formula products immediately against this list. Batch codes and expiration dates can be found on the product packaging. Anyone who has used these products and whose child develops symptoms of vomiting or nausea should seek medical advice promptly.
The FSAI continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available. Retailers have been instructed to remove all affected batches from shelves immediately.