Saudi Arabia and Kuwait Recall Nutricia-Danone Baby Formula Over Contamination Risk
Saudi, Kuwait Recall Aptamil, Bebelac Baby Formula Over Bacteria

Saudi Arabia and Kuwait Issue Major Baby Formula Recall Over Bacterial Contamination Concerns

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and Kuwait's Public Authority for Food and Nutrition have jointly announced a significant recall of infant formula products manufactured by Nutricia-Danone under the popular Aptamil and Bebelac brands. This precautionary action follows a voluntary notification from the company regarding potential contamination with Cereulide, a harmful substance produced by Bacillus cereus bacteria that poses serious risks to infant health.

Health Risks and Symptoms Identified

According to official statements from the SFDA, exposure to Cereulide contamination may lead to concerning symptoms that typically manifest within 30 minutes to six hours after consumption. These symptoms include:

  • Persistent nausea
  • Frequent vomiting episodes
  • Abdominal pain and discomfort

While authorities note that these symptoms are generally short-term and may last up to 24 hours, the potential impact on vulnerable infants necessitates immediate action. The recall serves as a preventive measure to protect public health, particularly among the most susceptible population groups.

Comprehensive Batch Information and Product Details

The recall encompasses multiple batches of Aptamil and Bebelac products manufactured in Poland and the Netherlands. Below is a detailed breakdown of the affected products:

  1. BEBELAC 1 NUTRI 7IN1 IF 1200G BIB - Batch: 2027.01.23, Expiry: 24-Jul-25, Production: 23-Jan-27
  2. BEBELAC JUNIOR 3 NUTRI 7IN1 GUM 1200G BIB - Batch: 2026.10.11, Expiry: 11-Oct-26, Production: 11-Apr-25
  3. BEBELAC JUNIOR 3 NUTRI 7IN1 GUM 1200G BIB - Batch: 2026.12.12, Expiry: 12-Dec-26, Production: 12-Jun-25
  4. BEBELAC NUTRI 7IN1 IF 400G TIN - Batch: 2026.11.20, Expiry: 20-Nov-26, Production: 21-May-25
  5. BEBELAC NUTRI 7IN1 IF 400G TIN - Batch: 2026.12.13, Expiry: 13-Dec-26, Production: 13-Jun-25
  6. BEBELAC NUTRI 7IN1 IF 400G TIN - Batch: 2027.02.07, Expiry: 07-Feb-27, Production: 08-Aug-25
  7. BEBELAC NUTRI 7IN1 IF 400G TIN - Batch: 2027.03.23, Expiry: 23-Mar-27, Production: 21-Sep-25
  8. BEBELAC JUNIOR 3 NUTRI 7IN1 GUM 400G TIN - Batch: 2026.08.11, Expiry: 11-Aug-26, Production: 09-Feb-25
  9. BEBELAC JUNIOR 3 NUTRI 7IN1 GUM 400G TIN - Batch: 2026.08.16, Expiry: 16-Aug-26, Production: 14-Feb-25
  10. BEBELAC JUNIOR 3 NUTRI 7IN1 GUM 400G TIN - Batch: 2026.10.01, Expiry: 01-Oct-26, Production: 01-Apr-25
  11. BEBELAC JUNIOR 3 NUTRI 7IN1 GUM 400G TIN - Batch: 2026.11.16, Expiry: 16-Nov-26, Production: 17-May-25
  12. BEBELAC JUNIOR 3 NUTRI 7IN1 GUM 400G TIN - Batch: 2026.11.25, Expiry: 25-Nov-26, Production: 26-May-25
  13. BEBELAC JUNIOR 3 NUTRI 7IN1 GUM 400G TIN - Batch: 2026.12.22, Expiry: 22-Dec-26, Production: 22-Jun-25
  14. BEBELAC JUNIOR 3 NUTRI 7IN1 GUM 400G TIN - Batch: 2027.02.09, Expiry: 09-Feb-27, Production: 10-Aug-25
  15. BEBELAC JUNIOR 3 NUTRI 7IN1 GUM 800G TIN - Batch: 2026.12.05, Expiry: 05-Dec-26, Production: 05-Jun-25
  16. BEBELAC JUNIOR 3 NUTRI 7IN1 GUM 800G TIN - Batch: 2027.01.06, Expiry: 06-Jan-27, Production: 07-Jul-25
  17. APTAMIL ADVANCE POF 3 1200GM BIB - Batch: 2026.10.11, Expiry: 11-Oct-26, Production: 11-Apr-25
  18. APTAMIL ADVANCE POF 3 1200GM BIB - Batch: 2026.12.11, Expiry: 11-Dec-26, Production: 11-Jun-25
  19. APTAMIL ADVANCE POF 3 1200GM BIB - Batch: 2027.01.02, Expiry: 02-Jan-27, Production: 03-Jul-25
  20. APTAMIL ADVANCE POF 3 1200GM BIB - Batch: 2027.02.19, Expiry: 19-Feb-27, Production: 20-Aug-25
  21. BEBELAC AR 400G - Batch: 2026.11.07, Expiry: 07-Nov-26, Production: 08-May-25

Regulatory Framework and Safety Measures

The Kuwaiti Public Authority for Food and Nutrition emphasized that their decision was based on comprehensive follow-up reports received through the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), an essential European Union mechanism for exchanging information about serious risks detected in food products. This international cooperation highlights the global nature of food safety concerns and the importance of coordinated regulatory responses.

Both authorities have conducted thorough risk assessments and determined that the recall represents a necessary precautionary measure. Importantly, no illnesses related to the recalled products have been reported in Saudi Arabia or Kuwait to date. However, the potential severity of contamination risks to infant health justifies the immediate action taken by regulatory bodies.

Consumer Guidance and Next Steps

Health authorities strongly advise consumers to take the following immediate actions:

  • Carefully check the batch number printed on Aptamil and Bebelac product packaging
  • Compare these numbers with the officially recalled batches listed above
  • Immediately dispose of any products matching the recalled batches
  • Contact healthcare providers if infants show any concerning symptoms
  • Follow official updates from SFDA and Kuwait's food authority for further guidance

This recall represents a significant development in regional food safety protocols and demonstrates the proactive approach of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in protecting vulnerable populations from potential health hazards. The collaboration between Saudi and Kuwaiti authorities underscores the importance of regional cooperation in addressing transnational food safety concerns.