Nestle infant formula recall: Why the CEO of world’s largest food firm apologised, is baby milk powder in India affected?

Nestle’s chief executive last week apologised after the world’s largest food company recalled certain batches of infant formula in more than 50 countries due to a possible quality issue. Health warnings were issued across Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa, prompting Nestle to step up damage control. The recall involves infant formula batches flagged for possible contamination with cereulide, a toxin that can cause nausea and vomiting.

Why Nestle’s CEO apologised

Nestle CEO Philipp Navratil issued a video apology addressing parents, caregivers and customers affected by the recall. He apologised for the "worry and disruption" the recall caused for parents, caregivers and other customers.

Navratil said there have been no confirmed cases of illness linked to the recalled batches of SMA, BEBA, NAN and Alfamino infant formula. He said the products were potentially affected by a quality issue linked to an ingredient called arachidonic acid oil (ARA), sourced from a leading supplier.

What triggered the Nestle infant formula recall

Nestle said it identified a quality concern at one of its factories in the Netherlands in December. Following this, the company launched a precautionary recall across several European countries, which later expanded to other regions.

At least 53 countries have issued health warnings related to the recalled products.

Nestle said it has stopped sourcing the affected ingredient from the supplier involved and has taken steps to resume production safely.

Is baby milk powder in India affected?

Nestle has said that Indian consumers are not affected by the global recall. The company confirmed that it does not import or sell any of the recalled infant formula products in India. All infant formula brands sold in the country are manufactured locally.

The Switzerland-headquartered firm said the recall was initiated after testing of arachidonic acid oil and related oil mixes detected a quality issue in an ingredient supplied by a leading vendor.

Nestle India statement

“At Nestlé India, the safety and well-being of our consumers is our top priority. All our products are in full compliance with FSSAI and applicable rules and regulations. Following the detection of a quality issue with an ingredient provided by a leading supplier, Nestlé has initiated a precautionary recall/withdrawal in some countries for certain infant formula product batches produced in Europe. No illnesses have been confirmed in connection with the products involved to date.

Nestlé India does not import or sell any of the affected products or batches that have been withdrawn or recalled. All infant formula brands sold in India are manufactured locally. We have conducted thorough testing on these products and can confirm that they meet all FSSAI and applicable rules and regulations.”