Alfamino Infant Formula: Urgent recall issued for Nestlé baby formula after toxic contamination concerns

Parents are being warned to check the batch number of a popular brand of baby formula that may be contaminated with a toxin.

Nestlé Australia is conducting a recall of one of their baby formulas after a similar product was recalled in dozens of countries across the world just days ago.

The 400g tin of Alfamino Infant Formula, made for children aged up to 12 months, is being stripped from Australian shelves over fears the products may be contaminated with a harmful toxin known as cereulide.

Cereulide is a toxin produced by some strains of bacteria, and can cause vomiting, nausea, malaise, and diarrhoea if ingested.

It was the arachidonic acid (ARA) oil and corresponding oil mixes used in the production of the formula that was contaminated, according to Nestlé.

“The presence of cereulide in oils is very uncommon, and Nestlé is working with the oil supplier, who is conducting a full root-cause analysis.”

Tins of the product, manufactured in Switzerland, have been sold in pharmacies, hospitals, and online across Australia.

The recall applies to the following batch numbers, which can be found on the bottom of the tin:

• Use by date 17/04/2027, Batch number 51070017Y2
• Use by date 18/04/2027, Batch number 51080017Y1
• Use by date 28/05/2027, Batch number 51480017Y3
• Use by date 29/05/2027, Batch number 51490017Y1
• Use by date 22/07/2027, Batch number 52030017Y1

The recall is a “precautionary measure” and there has been “no confirmed cases of illness caused by the products involved to date”, according to Nestlé.

Nestlé is urging parents to check their products, and if it is part of the recall, stop using it immediately.

Affected customers can return the recalled product to the retailer where it was purchased for a full refund.

“The safety of infants is our top priority and we apologise for any concern this may cause,” Nestlé health science general manager Michael Edde said.

“This recall is a precautionary measure, in line with our strict product quality and safety protocols.”

It comes after Nestlé recalled certain batches of their SMA and BEBA baby products in several European countries due to the same contamination issue just days ago.

It has been called one of the largest product recall campaigns in Nestlé’s corporate history.

Nestlé maintains that all other products not listed in the either recall are still safe to consume.

Parents seeking more information can contact Nestlé on 1800 152 126 in Australia and 0800 864 685 in New Zealand.