No illnesses due to the global contamination have been confirmed, but parents are advised to contact their healthcare providers to discuss alternative products.
Australian pharmacies and hospitals have been advised that some batches of ALFAMINO infant formula may contain the toxin cereulide.
Five batches of the 400g formula tins for 0-12 months may be affected, which are prescribed for babies with milk allergies.
Nestlé has issued a recall in Australia and New Zealand, urging customers not to use the formula and to return them to their supplier.
Batch number 51070017Y2, use by date 17.04.2027
Batch number 51080017Y1, use by date 18.04.2027
Batch number 51480017Y3, use by date 28.05.2027
Batch number 51490017Y1, use by date 29.05.2027
Batch number 52030017Y1, use by date 22.07.2027
Cereulide is a heat-stable product of Bacillus cereus and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and unusual lethargy when ingested.
Symptoms can appear between 30 minutes and 6 hours after exposure but typically resolve within 24 hours, according to a Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) media release.
“Cereulide can cause gastrointestinal illness but there have been no reports of associated illness in Australia or internationally,” said FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert.
“Other products are available, and parents and carers can contact their health care provider or pharmacist to discuss what’s best for their baby.”
She told media that this was part of a larger international recall by Nestlé after cereulide was found an ingredient used in a range of infant nutrition products available overseas.
Batches of Nestlé products in several European countries were recalled in the preceding days for the same contaminant.
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In its product advisory, Nestlé identified arachidonic acid (ARA) oil as the culprit. It stated that as the presence of cereulide in oils is very uncommon and their supplier is conducting a full root-cause analysis.
“If no symptoms are displayed, there is no cause for concern of any health impact,” it stated.
“Regardless of whether symptoms are present, parents and caregivers are instructed to discontinue use of the product in accordance with the recall notice.”
While the formula is not sold in supermarkets in Australia and is generally only available via prescription through hospitals, pharmacies and GPs, Dr Cuthbert said it’s possible that a small amount could have been bought over the counter at pharmacies or online.
