"Nestlé" is withdrawing specific batches of its infant formula products SMA, BEBA, and NAN from the market in countries across Europe due to the potential presence of cereulide, a toxin that can lead to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps, Reuters reported.
The mass product recall, which began on a smaller scale in December, is a serious problem for the new CEO of "Nestlé", Philipp Navratil, who is trying to boost growth by reviewing the company's portfolio after a period of management turmoil.
The manufacturer of "KitKat" and "Nescafe" announced late last night that no illnesses or symptoms have been confirmed in connection with any of the recalled products so far.
"After the discovery of a problem with the quality of an ingredient provided by a leading supplier, "Nestlé" began testing all arachidonic acid oils and the corresponding oil mixtures used in the production of potentially affected baby products," said a spokesperson for the Swiss company.
"Nestlé" has recalled batches of its SMA, BEBA and NAN products in Austria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland and the UK, warning about the possible presence of the toxin cereulide, produced by certain strains of the bacterium Bacillus cereus.
"Cereulide is heat-stable, which means it is unlikely to be deactivated or destroyed by cooking, the use of boiling water or when preparing baby milk," the UK Food Standards Agency said. "If consumed, it can lead to the rapid onset of 'symptoms'," the agency clarified.
The Austrian Ministry of Health announced that the recall has affected more than 800 products from over 10 "Nestlé" plants, making it the largest product recall in the company's history.
A "Nestlé" spokesperson could not confirm these "data".
The Swiss company published batch numbers for products sold in different countries that should not be consumed and announced that it is working to minimize any potential supply disruptions.
"Nestlé" announced that it has identified the potential risk in one of its factories in the Netherlands.
"Nestlé Bulgaria" announces on its website that it is voluntarily withdrawing from the market certain batches of NAN infant formula products distributed in Bulgaria.
"Nestlé Bulgaria" is working in close cooperation with the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) regarding this recall and is following all prescribed procedures, the company says, publishing on its website a list of the affected products with their batch numbers and expiry dates.
The recall is entirely a precautionary measure, the company assures.
To date, there are no reported cases of illness or symptoms associated with the consumption of these products. However, as a precautionary measure and in accordance with its strict standards for quality and safety, "Nestlé" is proactively undertaking this recall, it is added in the publication.
Customers who have purchased a product from an affected batch are warned not to use it. The products can be returned to the store from which they were purchased, and the amount paid for them will be refunded (even without presenting a fiscal receipt).
The manufacturer adds that no other "Nestlé" product sold in Bulgaria is affected by the voluntary recall.
The Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) reports on its website that it is monitoring the additional voluntary withdrawal from the market of baby products - infant formula, as the measure is a continuation of actions taken in December and is part of a coordinated European action covering several countries.
The recall is entirely precautionary, the agency states.