Singapore Halts Five Nestle NAN Formula Batches Over Possible Cereulide Toxin
SINGAPORE — The city‑state’s food safety watchdog ordered a temporary stop to the sale of five batches of Nestle NAN infant and follow‑on formula as a precaution after a potential cereulide toxin was flagged. The ban was issued Thursday and will stay in effect while investigators probe the matter.
The move was announced jointly by the Singapore Food Agency and the Communicable Diseases Agency, following warnings circulated over the previous days by European and international food safety networks about a recall of affected infant formula.
authorities stressed that there have been no confirmed illnesses linked to the five Nestle batches in Singapore to date, and the investigation is ongoing.
Batches Under review
- NAN HA 3 SupremePro, batch 53030017C1
- NAN HA 2 SupremePro, batch 51420017C4
- NAN HA 1 SupremePro, batch 51460017C2
- AN 1 SupremePro, batch (details not disclosed)
- NAN HA 3 SupremePro, batch 53030017B1
Cereulide is a toxin that can trigger nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea.Symptoms may appear from 30 minutes to six hours after ingestion and typically subside within a day. Infants are considered more vulnerable to complications, the agencies said.
At present, there are no established international standards for cereulide toxin levels in infant formula or other foods according to Codex Alimentarius and many national authorities, the CDA and SFA noted. Affected parties are urged to monitor for any signs of illness and seek medical care if infants show symptoms after consuming any of the recalled products.
The authorities said they are conducting hospital surveillance for potential cereulide poisoning in children and are coordinating closely to keep the public informed.
“Consumers who have purchased the affected products are advised not to feed them to their children. those whose children have consumed these products and are unwell should seek medical advice promptly,” the agencies said.Consumers can contact their point of purchase for inquiries.
Nestle Singapore later said that no stocks are being recalled in Singapore. A company spokesman noted that two batches had warranted additional review, but subsequent lab tests found both batches safe for consumption. The firm added that all other Nestle Singapore products are safe and that it has engaged the SFA to provide full visibility on the situation.
Globally, Nestle previously initiated recalls and health warnings across dozens of countries as the investigation unfolded. While no illnesses have been confirmed in connection with the affected batches,the recall and warnings have underscored the wide reach of modern supply chains and the need for rapid cross-border information sharing.
The maker also disclosed ongoing measures to secure supply, including ramping up production and engaging choice suppliers for certain ingredients used in its infant nutrition range.
What This Means For Parents And Regulators
The incident highlights how international alerts, such as rapid notification networks, can quickly affect consumer products far from their origin. Regulators emphasize vigilance and clear dialog to protect vulnerable groups, especially infants.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Singapore |
| Affected products | Nestle NAN infant and follow‑on formula batches (Swiss-made) |
| Batches halted | Five identified batches (specific batch for one item not disclosed in initial listing) |
| Toxin | Cereulide (potential) |
| Current status | Sales halted; investigations ongoing; no confirmed illnesses in Singapore |
| Agency actions | Hospital surveillance; cross‑agency coordination; consumer advisories |
Reader questions
1) how can parents verify the safety of infant formula during a multinational recall?
2) what improvements would you like to see in how health authorities communicate recalls across borders?
Note: If you have concerns about infant health, consult a medical professional. This article provides a safety update and should not replace official health guidance.
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