Consumer checks—not reported illnesses—have driven a regional recall of several Nestlé infant and follow-on formula products after testing linked a production input to a toxin risk, according to regulators and the company.
On Monday, Nestlé confirmed it had pulled specific batches from shelves across the Middle East and North Africa following the possible presence of cereulide, a toxin associated with gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. Authorities in the UAE moved to remove the affected products from the market and advised parents not to use them.
The Emirates Drug Establishment identified the products covered by the UAE recall as NAN Comfort 1, NAN Optipro 1, NAN Supreme Pro 1, 2 and 3, Isomil Ultima 1, 2 and 3, and Alfamino. The regulator said the action followed the discovery that one raw material used in manufacturing contained traces of Bacillus cereus, a bacterium capable of producing cereulide, prompting precautionary measures to protect consumer health.
Despite the breadth of the recall, UAE officials said no illnesses or adverse events tied to the affected batches have been reported or confirmed. Residents were nevertheless urged to stop using the listed products and to verify whether tins in their possession match the recalled batches.
Nestlé has published batch identifiers for each affected market and advised consumers to check the production details printed on packaging. The UAE Ministry of Climate Change & Environment separately released batch numbers for certain Nestlé infant formula products that may contain substances harmful to infants.
For households that have a recalled product, Nestlé advised locating the batch code at the base of the tin and contacting the local Nestlé Consumer Engagement Centre listed on the packaging. To process refunds or replacements, the company may request photographs showing the product and its batch code.
Beyond the UAE, the recall spans eight countries in the region, with four Gulf states—Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates—issuing recalls for affected products. Nestlé said other impacted markets include Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, and Oman, noting that batch numbers differ by country.
According to the company, the issue traces to arachidonic acid (ARA) oil used in a range of infant nutrition products sold globally, meaning the specific brands and items affected vary by market. In countries where recalls are in place, Nestlé said it is coordinating with local authorities under food-safety rules, with market-specific guidance being posted on company and brand websites.
