The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has initiated a voluntary, precautionary recall of multiple Nestlé infant formula products available in the United Arab Emirates. This action follows the detection of traces of Bacillus cereus bacteria in a raw material used during manufacturing. Health authorities have confirmed that no illnesses linked to these products have been reported in the UAE so far.
Which Nestlé Infant Formulas Are Affected?
The recall targets specific batches of several popular formulas used for infant feeding. Parents and caregivers are advised to check their stocks immediately. The affected products include:
- NAN Comfort 1
- NAN OPTIPRO 1
- NAN SUPREME PRO 1, 2, 3
- S-26 Ultima 1, 2, 3
- Alfamino
Authorities have quarantined these batches in warehouses and are ensuring their removal from all retail shelves, including both physical stores and online marketplaces across the UAE. It is crucial to note that all other Nestlé products not listed here remain safe for consumption.
Understanding the Health Risk and Regional Response
The recall centers on the discovery of Bacillus cereus, a bacterium that can produce a heat-stable toxin called cereulide. This toxin can cause food poisoning-like symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. A significant concern is that the toxin may survive the boiling water used to prepare formula.
Symptoms in an affected infant can appear rapidly, typically within 30 minutes to six hours after feeding. The EDE has acted out of an abundance of caution, emphasizing that the recall is preventive.
This is not an isolated incident in the Gulf region. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has issued a similar warning, urging parents not to use the affected products and to dispose of them. Health authorities in Qatar and Kuwait have also advised consumers about potential contamination in specific Nestlé formula batches. Regulators across these nations are collaborating with Nestlé to ensure the complete removal of the recalled products from the supply chain.
What Should Parents and Caregivers Do Now?
If you possess any of the listed products, follow these steps recommended by health experts:
- Stop Use Immediately: Discontinue feeding the affected formula to your child.
- Do Not Panic: If your baby has consumed the formula and shows no symptoms like repeated vomiting or unusual lethargy, there is likely no cause for immediate concern.
- Dispose or Return: Safely dispose of the product or return it to the point of purchase. Nestlé has committed to providing full refunds for all recalled items.
- Consult a Pediatrician: If you are uncertain about which alternative formula to switch to, seek professional medical advice from your child's doctor.
This swift recall action demonstrates the effectiveness of the UAE's pharmaceutical and food safety monitoring systems, which are designed to identify and mitigate such risks proactively to protect public health.
