Concern in the baby departments: Nestlé has just announced a new recall of Guigoz and Nidal infant milksa few weeks after a first withdrawal of products in France. Parents who use these infant formulas are trying to find out whether their infant’s cans are affected or not.
Monday evening, the Swiss group indicated to proceed “a preventive and voluntary recall of certain batches of Guigoz and Nidal infant milks“. This withdrawal targets products distributed in France but also in Germany, Austria, Denmark, Italy and Sweden. An operation presented as a precautionary measure which inevitably raises many questions.
Preventive recall of Guigoz and Nidal milks in France and Europe
According to Nestlé France, this is a “preventive and voluntary” system triggered after “new investigations”. The same references are concerned in several European countries, sometimes sold under other brands.
These investigationsrevealed the potential presence of cereulide, a substance of bacterial origin from the microorganism Bacillus cereuslikely to cause digestive problems (diarrhea and vomiting)“, explains Nestlé. Today, this is a theoretical risk, no reports of cluster cases having been reported at this stage.
What symptoms should you watch out for?
Eating food contaminated with cereulide can cause vomiting and diarrhea. In rare cases, severe reactions may occur, so prompt medical attention is recommended if symptoms appear. If you have any concerns about your child’s health or nutrition, we advise you to speak to your pediatrician or healthcare professional.
In most cases, these symptoms appear quickly (30 minutes to 6 hours) after exposure, with rapid recovery. Babies dehydrate quickly, any repeated vomiting after consumption of the batches concerned should lead to rapid medical evaluation, whether cereulide is involved or not.
In the absence of symptoms, there is no need to worry about long-term health impact.
A “quality defect” around cereulide toxin
The group mentions a “quality defect” linked to an ingredient manufactured by one of its suppliers. He explains having “carried out an analysis of all arachidonic acid oils and corresponding oil mixtures used in the production of potentially affected infant nutrition products“. Nestlé also ensures “be in contact with the authorities of the countries concerned to ensure that the necessary measures are taken“, according to Sud Ouest.
In December, after a first recall linked to Bacillus cereus on a production line, the NGO Foodwatch criticized Nestlé for having communicated in a “very vague” manner.
What should parents affected by the Nestlé recall do?
On its national sites, Nestlé posts the batch numbers of the recalled boxes, marketed under the brands
Guigoz and Nidal in France, or Beba and Alfamino in Germany. Consumers are advised to check the lot number and not use the listed products. In France, the manufacturer asks not to bring the boxes back to the store.
Nestlé France invites you to contact Guigoz Consumer Services on 0800 100 409 or Nidal on 0800 100 312. The procedure is as follows: take a photo of each box concerned in order to obtain a purchase voucher, then throw away the product. The group recommends, in the event of diarrhea, vomiting or other problems after consumption, to quickly contact a health professional.