This is the second recall of the Nestlé products in just over a week, and comes due to the potential presence of a toxin called cereulide. Cereulide is produced by some strains of the bacterium, bacillus cereus, which can cause food poisoning. The FSAI is once again advising parents, guardians and caregivers to refrain from using the recalled products, as the cereulide is "extremely heat resistant" and consumption of the toxin can lead to "nausea and severe vomiting".
The company said it was voluntarily recalling the products, which include batches of its SMA, BEBA and NAN infant formulas, as a "precautionary measure" because of the possible presence of a chemical called cereulide in those batches. Cereulide is a toxin caused by a certain strain of bacteria that can cause food poisoning and result in severe vomiting and nausea for up to 24 hours, according to Ireland's food inspection agency, one of the countries affected by the recall.
The U.S. is in the grips of a botulism outbreak tied to a premium infant formula brand. At least 23 babies have been affected. All the reported cases of the paralyzing bacterial infection occurred between August and November and have been linked to powdered infant formula produced by ByHeart, according to a Food and Drug Administration report. The company voluntarily recalled all its products on November 11, and experts caution that more cases of the potentially fatal disease may surface.