Global food giant Nestlé has issued an urgent recall for multiple batches of its SMA-brand infant formula products across the United Kingdom. The move comes after the discovery of a potential contamination with a food poisoning toxin, prompting immediate action from food safety authorities.
Urgent Safety Warning for Parents and Caregivers
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a stark warning, advising that the affected batches may contain the cereulide toxin. This substance is produced by the food poisoning bacteria Bacillus cereus and can cause rapid-onset symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps if ingested.
Jane Rawling, Head of Incidents at the FSA, stated the agency's position clearly. "FSA's advice is that parents, guardians and caregivers should not feed infants or young children with these products," she said. "I want to reassure parents, guardians and caregivers that we are taking urgent action, helping to ensure all of the affected product is removed from sale as a precaution."
Full List of Affected Products and Company Response
The voluntary recall, announced on 6th January 2026, impacts a wide range of SMA products. Parents are urged to check their supplies against the following list:
- SMA Advanced First Infant Milk
- SMA Advanced Follow-On Milk
- SMA Anti Reflux
- SMA Alfamino
- SMA First Infant Milk
- SMA Little Steps First Infant Milk
- SMA Comfort
- SMA Lactose Free
Nestlé has confirmed that the issue originated from an ingredient supplied by a leading provider, specifically related to arachidonic acid (ARA) oil. The company has undertaken testing of all ARA oil and corresponding oil mixes used in production.
In an official statement, Nestlé apologised to customers but confirmed a crucial point: no illnesses have been verified in connection with the products to date. The recall is described as a precautionary measure taken in collaboration with UK authorities.
What Parents Should Do Next
The FSA and Nestlé are directing consumers to the official channels for detailed batch information. Full details of the recalled batches can be found on the food.gov.uk website or the Nestlé UK site.
If you have already fed an affected product to a baby and have health concerns, you are advised to seek immediate professional advice. Contact your GP or call NHS 111 for guidance.
Nestlé has pledged to keep the public informed and to work on minimising supply disruption while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of families remains the top priority.
