Nestlé expands milk recall: formula for allergic babies may also contain dangerous toxin

A few days after the recall of several batches of products from the Nan, Nidina and PreNan lines in Italy (and others in the rest of Europe), Nestlé has announced that the food warning now also applies to Alfamino milk, a special product for babies with cow's milk allergy and multiple food allergies.

The warning covers the 400-gram package of Alfamino and includes two specific lots:

- Lot number 53503356 - shelf life until 30/04/2027

- Lot number 52973356 - shelf life until 30/04/2027

The product has been marketed in several European countries and is manufactured by Nestlé Suisse SA at its plant in Konolfingen, Switzerland.

What makes this recall particularly sensitive is the nature of the product itself. Indeed, Alfamino is a hypoallergenic formula for babies and young children suffering from allergies to cow's milk protein, multiple food allergies or severe food intolerances.

This mean that these are children who are often already immunologically and nutritionally vulnerable, for whom finding a suitable alternative food can be complicated.

The reasons for the recall

The reason for the recall remains the same as for the major recall announced in recent days: the possible presence of cereulide, the toxin produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus. Indeed, this substance can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting and is particularly insidious because it is heat-resistant.

The problem was identified in an ingredient supplied by an outside partner of Nestlé. This led the company to expand the scope of the recall step by step and as new details emerged about deliveries that may have been affected by the contamination. This latest recall is therefore part of a series of events that has been ongoing for weeks.

What parents should do

For those using Alfamino, the recommendations are clear:

- Immediately check the lot number on the bottom of the can

- Do not use the product if the batch number is 53503356 or 52973356

- Do not administer it to the baby, even if the product looks normal

- Contact the pediatrician to discuss appropriate dietary alternatives, especially since these are children with specific nutritional needs

- Return the product to the point of sale to receive a refund

(MP/©Italian Ministry of Health via GreenMe.It/translation and adaptation: The Global Lifestyle/Illustration: Unsplash)