Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is coordinating an Australia-wide recall of 5 batches of Nestlé’s ALFAMINO infant formula for babies with milk allergies due to the potential presence of the toxin cereulide.
FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the action is connected to a larger international recall by Nestlé after cereulide, produced by the microorganism Bacillus cereus, was found in an ingredient used in a range of products available overseas.
“Cereulide can cause gastrointestinal illness but there have been no reports of associated illness in Australia or internationally,” Dr Cuthbert said.
“Imported products subject to the recall are not sold in supermarkets, but are available through hospitals, pharmacies and GPs, generally via prescription.
“It is possible a small amount could have been bought over the counter at pharmacies or online. If you have the affected Alfamino formula at home, do not feed it to your baby.
“Other products are available and parents and carers can contact their health care provider or pharmacist to discuss what’s best for their baby.”
The recalled batches are:
|
Product |
Use by date |
Batch number |
|
ALFAMINO 400g |
17.04.2027 |
51070017Y2 |
|
18.04.2027 |
51080017Y1 |
|
|
28.05.2027 |
51480017Y3 |
|
|
29.05.2027 |
51490017Y1 |
|
|
22.07.2027 |
52030017Y1 |
No other ALFAMINO batches or products in Australia or New Zealand are affected by this recall.
Symptoms linked to cereulide may include vomiting, diarrhoea or unusual lethargy. These symptoms can appear between 30 minutes to 6 hours after exposure and typically resolve within 24 hours.
Parents or carers concerned about the health of their infant should seek medical advice.
For more information on the affected product contact Nestlé on 1800 152 126.
More information
- Nestlé Global | Infant formula issue
- FSANZ | Nestlé - Alfamino Infant Formula (0-12 months) 400g
Media contact
- 0401 714 265 (Australia)
- media@foodstandards.gov.au