By Micah Jonah
January 8, 2026
Nestlé has expanded its recall of certain infant nutrition products beyond Europe to Africa, the Americas and Asia, including markets such as Brazil, China and South Africa, according to company disclosures and national food safety authorities.
The recall affects specific batches of SMA, BEBA, NAN and Alfamino infant formula over possible contamination with cereulide, a toxin that can cause nausea and vomiting. Nestlé said no illnesses have so far been confirmed in connection with the affected products.
At least 37 countries have issued health warnings related to the recall, including most European nations as well as Australia, Brazil, China, Mexico and South Africa.
Brazil’s health ministry said the recall was a precautionary step after the toxin was detected in products originating from the Netherlands. Nestlé Australia stated that the affected batches sold locally were manufactured in Switzerland, while Nestlé China said it was recalling products imported from Europe.
South Africa’s National Consumer Commission said the recalled NAN infant formula was produced in June 2025 and has a shelf life of about 18 months. The commission added that the product had also been exported to Namibia and Eswatini.
Austria’s health ministry said the recall involves more than 800 products from over 10 factories, describing it as the largest recall in Nestlé’s history, a claim the company did not independently confirm.
Nestlé said it had tested all arachidonic acid oil and related oil mixes used in the potentially affected products after a quality issue was identified in an ingredient supplied by a major vendor. The company added that it is ramping up production and activating alternative suppliers to maintain supply.
The widening recall adds pressure on Nestlé as it continues a portfolio review aimed at restoring growth. Shares in the company have fallen in recent days following the announcement.
