Nestle has issued a worldwide recall of baby formula which may be contaminated with bacteria that causes severe nausea and vomiting.
The food and beverage giant released a list of specific batches of its SMA, BEBA and NAN infant formulas that may contain the cereulide toxin which causes food poisoning.
The batches of SMA baby formula were sold around the world, including Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Switzerland and Britain.
In its announcement, Nestle said the baby formulas are not safe for babies to drink. The company also makes products including KitKat, Nescafe, Gerber, bottled water, ice cream, and Coffee Mate.
The bacteria can’t be killed by high heat from cooking or boiling.
According to Nestle, the baby formulas may contain cereulide, a highly toxic peptide released by the Bacillus cereus bacteria, which causes severe nausea and vomiting.
The bacteria can’t be killed by high heat from cooking, boiling or microwaving.
Cereulide is a potent cytotoxin that destroys mitochondria which produces energy needed for cellular functions.
No injuries or deaths have been reported so far. Nestle clarified it was recalling the baby formulas “out of an abundance of caution”.
“The safety and wellbeing of babies is our absolute priority,” Nestle said in a statement on Monday.
Austria’s health ministry said the recall affected more than 800 products from more than 10 Nestle factories. Nestle didn’t verify that information.
