Jan 5, 2026, 2:33 p.mJan 5, 2026, 2:37 p.m
In one of the largest recalls in its history, the food company Nestlé has recalled batches of infant formula in several countries as a precautionary measure. They could be contaminated with poison. Analysts see little risk for the group.
Nestlé has to carry out one of the largest recalls in the company’s history.Image: nestlé
The well-known Beba brand and special products such as Alfamino are affected. Parents were asked to stop using the affected products from certain batches and to return them to retailers.
According to the company, the recall targets products that were sold in Germany and Austria, among others. On Monday, Nestlé published public notices in the relevant countries with lists of the affected batches. There are currently no known cases of illness in connection with its consumption.
Two samples in Austria contaminated
In Austria, according to information, small amounts of cereulide were found in two batches during official inspections. According to the Ministry of Health, there is no health risk due to the very low concentrations.
Nestlé had already carried out a silent recall over the Christmas holidays and removed the affected products from its shelves. A public recall followed on Monday. In mid-December 2025, Nestlé had already announced preventive recalls of baby milk powder in several European countries – including France, Finland and Denmark.
According to Austrian authorities, the recall affects more than 800 products from over ten factories worldwide. The cause was a technical cleaning defect in a supplier, which led to contamination of an ingredient in December. The heat-resistant toxin can cause nausea and vomiting, but does not multiply in the product.
Analysts see low risk
In their initial comments, analysts did not classify the incident as serious for Nestlé. The extent of the incident can be explained primarily by Nestlé’s global production and sales structure, not by the severity of the risk, Helvetische Bank wrote in a comment. Overall, the incident is deemed to have been operationally resolved and manageable from a risk, regulatory and reputational perspective. “Of course, the incident remains unpleasant for Nestlé.” (dab/sda/awp)
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