FAQs
WHAT TOOK PLACE
What happened in the category?
Several markets and brands were impacted with a quality issue with one of the ingredients used in a small number of infant formula batches. As a precaution, we recalled any batches that could potentially be affected.
What is the issue exactly?
A small amount of an ingredient used in some batches contained a substance called cereulide, which can sometimes form naturally in certain food ingredients. We apply a strict zero‑tolerance approach for infant formula so we recalled any batch that could even theoretically be affected. It’s part of our commitment to put babies’ wellbeing first.
Is Nestlé the only company affected?
We understand parents may worry this is a brand‑specific problem. It is not.
Other infant formula manufacturers have also announced recalls linked to this ingredient. The issue traces back to an ingredient supplied to multiple companies in the industry.
Our internal quality checks detected the issue first, which allowed us to act quickly and take precautionary steps. It’s part of our commitment to put babies’ wellbeing first.
UNDERSTANDING CEREULIDE
What is cereulide?
Cereulide is a substance that can be produced by certain bacteria. It can cause temporary stomach upset, such as vomiting.
We know these terms can sound technical, so we want to keep it simple: this is something that can appear naturally in certain foods, not something added to formula.
What is Bacillus cereus?
Bacillus cereus is a very common microorganism found in the environment and in many foods. Most strains are completely harmless.
However, some strains can produce cereulide under specific conditions.
Was Bacillus cereus bacteria found in the products?
No. No bacteria were found in the ingredient or in the finished products.
Only very low traces of cereulide were detected in a number of ingredient batches — and we recalled any product that could possibly have used them.
We want to reassure you: this was found through our own checks, not because of any reported illnesses.
Were all recalled batches contaminated?
No. We recalled any batch that could possibly have been affected, even if we did not detect cereulide in it. This is part of our zero‑tolerance approach to keep babies safe.
WHAT SHOULD I DO?
What should I do if I have a recalled product?
We know it can be upsetting to learn that a product you trusted is part of a recall.
Please stop using it immediately and do not feed it to your baby.
Please contact Nestle Consumer Services at 800 6011 633.
If you need help or reassurance, our consumer care team is here to support you.
I already fed my baby this formula. Should I be worried?
We understand how worrying this situation can feel for parents. Please stop using it immediately and do not feed it to your baby.
If your baby shows no symptoms, there is no cause for concern.
If you have any worries at all, please speak with your pediatrician. They can give you personalised advice for your baby.
My baby consumed the product 6 hours ago and shows no symptoms. Am I safe?
Symptoms related to cereulide, if they happen, usually appear within 30 minutes to 6 hours.
If your baby has passed that time window without symptoms, there is no cause for concern.
Still, please stop using the product and follow the recall instructions.
If you ever feel unsure, your pediatrician is the best person to guide and reassure you.
My baby has consumed more than one can. Does this increase the risk?
We know this question often comes from a place of real worry.
If your baby shows no symptoms, there is no cause for concern.
If you’re feeling anxious or simply want to talk things through, please contact your pediatrician, they are there to support you and answer any questions you may have.
Should I switch to another brand because of this recall?
If your batch number is not recalled, it is safe to consume. If your product is recalled, you can check our offering www.familynes.sg and consult your Healthcare provider.
Can heating, boiling, or preparing the formula differently make it safe?
No. Heating or boiling the formula does not remove cereulide.
We know parents may want to do everything they can to keep their baby safe, but the safest action is simply to stop using recalled formula and follow your local recall instructions.
Please do not try to prepare recalled formula in a different way, just return it or follow the guidance provided.
HEALTH & SYMPTOMS
What symptoms should I watch for?
The main symptom to watch for is vomiting, which typically appears within 30 minutes to 6 hours after consuming the product. Other possible symptoms can include diarrhea or unusual tiredness.
If symptoms do appear, they are usually mild, short‑lasting, and resolve within 24 hours once the product is no longer used. If you’re ever unsure, please reach out to your pediatrician.
When should I seek medical attention?
If your baby experiences severe or persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual tiredness after consuming the product, please contact your pediatrician or healthcare provider.
Are there any long-term effects I should worry about?
No. Cereulide symptoms, if they occur, are temporary and do not lead to long‑term effects.
If your baby does not display any symptoms, there is no cause for concern.
Has anyone gotten sick from these products?
There are no confirmed illnesses linked to our formula.
We understand that some parents have shared concerns. Our consumer engagement personnel in coordination with our medical experts are committed to listening attentively to parents and caregivers to treat each individual inquiry with care.
If contamination happened, wouldn't everyone get sick?
Not necessarily. Whether symptoms occur depends on several factors, such as how much was consumed and individual sensitivity.
The levels we detected in ingredient batches were extremely low, and there are no confirmed illnesses linked to our products.
We know this can be a complex topic, so if you have questions about your baby’s specific situation, your pediatrician can offer personalised guidance.
TRUST & QUALITY
Why did this happen? How did this get through your checks?
Cereulide in oils is extremely rare. No company or supplier routinely tested for it because it has never been considered a risk in this type of ingredient. Our internal quality system detected it early, that’s how we found it.
To strengthen safety even further, we have now added cereulide testing to every batch of this ingredient going forward.
REFUNDS & RETURNS
Will I get a refund?
Yes. Please contact Nestle Consumer Services at 800 6011 633. We are working hard to make this process to be as smooth and stress‑free as possible for families.
Where can I get more information?
The easiest way to find the latest information for your country is to visit your local Nestlé website or contact our consumer care team.
If you have any concerns about your baby’s health, please speak with your pediatrician.