A recall has been issued for five batches of Nestlé's Alfamino infant formula for babies with milk allergies due to the possible presence of a toxin.
Cereulide is a toxin produced by the microorganism Bacillus cereus, which can cause gastrointestinal illness.
Symptoms linked to cereulide may include vomiting and diarrhoea which can be severe or persistent, or unusual lethargy. These symptoms would typically appear between 30 minutes to six hours after exposure. Symptoms typically resolved within 24 hours.
The affected products, which are not available in New Zealand supermarkets, were mainly publicly-funded and made available through hospitals, pharmacies and GPs.
A small amount could have been purchased over the counter at pharmacies or online.
The affected batches of Alfamino 400g are:
- Batch number 51070017Y2, use-by date 17.04.2027
- Batch number 51080017Y1, use-by date 18.04.2027
- Batch number 51480017Y3, use-by date 28.05.2027
- Batch number 51490017Y1, use-by date 29.05.2027
- Batch number 52030017Y1, use-by date 22.07.2027
The recall followed a larger international recall by Nestlé, after cereulide was found in an ingredient used in a range of products available overseas.
"Fortunately, there have been no reports of associated illness here in New Zealand or internationally," New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-General Vincent Arbuckle said.
He said prescribers and pharmacies were being advised of the recall and were asked to inform parents and guardians of infants who had been prescribed the brand.
"If you have the affected Alfamino formula at home, do not feed it to your baby, if at all possible. Return it to the place of purchase.
"Pharmac funds a number of alternative products, so discuss what’s best for your baby with your pharmacist or GP.
"For parents and guardians with affected batches and no alternative infant formula for tonight and tomorrow, please contact Healthline, which can help."
In a statement this evening, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said it was coordinating an Australia-wide recall.
"Cereulide can cause gastrointestinal illness but there have been no reports of associated illness in Australia or internationally," she said.
Anyone with concerns about their baby's health was advised to contact their healthcare provider or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free advice.
For further information and general enquiries, contact the Ministry for Primary Industries on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz
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