Massive recall of Nestlé baby formula

Nestlé is recalling powdered baby formula across much of Europe due to possible contamination, which could cause diarrhea and vomiting. This is believed to be the largest recall ever carried out by the company.

Ten different factories

During internal checks, Nestlé discovered the presence of cerulide in an ingredient used in Europe after November 19. On December 12, the group first warned consumers not to use certain cans of powdered milk, without mentioning the countries concerned. Three weeks later, the scale of the problem is proving to be much greater than expected, with recalls in the Netherlands, Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Belgium was only affected later. According to Reuters, this is the largest product recall in the group’s history, with at least 25 countries now affected.

The toxin comes from a vegetable oil, probably peanut oil, supplied by a subcontractor. According to the company, the levels are low and this is a “preventive and voluntary recall, which proves the effectiveness of our own controls.” The symptoms are very similar to those of gastroenteritis: at higher concentrations, cerulide can cause cramps, persistent vomiting, and diarrhea.

Nestlé does not reveal in which factory the contamination was detected, nor whether the oil in question comes from the European Union or a third country. However, notifications recorded in the European RASFF alert system indicate that the first signals concerned powdered milk from the Netherlands, where Nestlé has a factory in Nunspeet. The Italian food authorities issued the alert on December 12, and other countries followed suit. According to the Austrian supervisory authority, around 800 products from at least ten factories are affected.