Nestlé Recalls SMA Formula Over Cereulide Toxin Risk

Nestlé has initiated a voluntary recall of certain batches of its SMA Infant Formula and Follow-On Formula in the UK and Ireland due to a potential presence of the toxin cereulide. The company is offering full refunds for returned products.

“There have been no confirmed reports of any illness associated with consumption of the products concerned,” Nestlé states.

“Nevertheless, out of an abundance of caution, Nestlé has decided to perform this voluntary product recall in line with our strict product quality and safety protocols.”

Precautions and health

Nestlé says “the safety and wellbeing of babies is our absolute priority” and is recalling selected SMA infant and follow-on formula batches “as a precautionary measure” because of the possible presence of cereulide.

Cereulide is a heat‑resistant toxin produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus bacteria and is linked to rapid‑onset food poisoning symptoms including nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps.

Parents, carers and healthcare professionals are being advised that any affected products should not be fed to infants, even though no confirmed illnesses have been reported from the recalled batches.

“We understand that this news may cause concern for parents and we sincerely apologise for any concern or inconvenience caused to parents, caregivers and customers,” the company adds.

Nestlé reiterates that product safety, especially in infant nutrition, remains central to its broader corporate goal of providing high‑quality, science‑based nutrition.

About Nestlé

Nestlé is the world’s largest food and beverage company, operating across around 189 countries with a portfolio of more than 2,000 brands covering coffee, confectionery, pet care, dairy, infant nutrition and more. Founded in 1866, the company is driven by its purpose to “enhance quality of life and contribute to a healthier future” through safe, high‑quality and increasingly health‑focused products.

Nestlé invests heavily in nutrition science and food safety, combining extensive research and development with robust quality management systems to ensure products meet both regulatory and internal standards.

In recent years, it has intensified efforts around responsible marketing, clearer nutrition labelling and product reformulation to encourage healthier, more sustainable diets globally.

About SMA, Nestlé’s infant brand

SMA is one of Nestlé’s flagship infant nutrition lines, offering formulas tailored to different developmental stages from birth through toddlerhood.

Its products are widely sold through supermarkets, pharmacies and healthcare providers in the UK, Ireland and other markets, and are frequently recommended within specialist infant feeding plans.

As a leading formula brand serving some of the youngest and most vulnerable consumers, SMA is subject to particularly stringent safety, quality and traceability protocols within Nestlé’s portfolio.