Updated Recall of SMA Alfamino Infant Formula (Batches 51210017Y1 & 51700017Y1) Over Potential Cereulide Contamination

Breaking: Expanded Recall of SMA Alfamino Infant formula Tied to Cereulide toxin

Updated recall notices on January 7, 2026 warn that certain batches of SMA Nutrition Alfamino infant formula are being recalled due to a potential cereulide contamination. The update adds new batch details and reiterates consumer safety steps.

What we know now

A health alert titled Update 1 has been issued for SMA Alfamino infant formula in 400 g packs. The alert categorizes the action as necessary for retailers and distributors to pull affected products from shelves and communicate recalls at the point of sale.

Recall Snapshot
Category	For Action
Alert	2026.01 (Update 1)
Product	SMA Nutrition Alfamino infant formula, 400 g pack
Impacted Batches	51210017Y1 (expiry May-27); 51700017Y1 (expiry Jun-27)

What is cereulide and why the concern?

Cereulide is a toxin produced by Bacillus cereus. It can be present in pre-formed form in foods and is highly heat resistant. ingesting products containing cereulide may cause nausea and severe vomiting, with symptoms typically appearing within about five hours and lasting a day or so.

What actions are required now?

Retailers, wholesalers, distributors, caterers, and retailers: Remove the implicated batches from sale and display recall notices at points of sale. Wholesalers and distributors should contact their affected customers and relay the recall details with a POS notice.

Consumers and caregivers: Do not feed the recalled batches to infants or young children. If you purchased these products, contact the manufacturer for guidance and returns.

How to contact the manufacturer

Nestlé has provided channels for affected customers.Use the online form to share product photos and batch codes at www.nestle.co.uk/en-gb/getintouch or call the careline at 1800 931 832.

Official recall notices will also appear at points of sale,and a Q&A resource is available for consumer questions.

bottom line for families

This update underscores the importance of batch verification on infant formula and adherence to recall notices. If in doubt, consult a healthcare professional and rely on official guidance from the manufacturer and health authorities.

Why this matters in the bigger picture

Infant formula recalls highlight the critical role of rigorous supply-chain controls and vigilant post-market monitoring. For families, staying informed about batch codes, expiry dates, and recall notices can prevent exposure to potential toxins and protect vulnerable populations.

Engagement

Have you checked your pantry for these batch codes? Are you prepared to act quickly if a recall affects a product you use?

What steps should manufacturers and regulators take to prevent similar contamination in the future? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information. For health concerns or symptoms, seek medical advice promptly.

Share this update to help others stay informed and safe.

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Updated Recall Overview – SMA Alfamino Infant Formula (Batches 51210017Y1 & 51700017Y1)

• Recall date: January 7 2026 (17:09:24)
• Authority: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) joint advisory
• Reason: Potential cereulide (emetic toxin) contamination detected during routine microbiological screening
• Product type: Ready‑to‑feed (RTF) and powdered infant formula, SMA Alfamino (nutrient‑enriched formula for infants 0–12 months)
• Affected batch numbers: 51210017Y1 and 51700017Y1 – both produced at the Køge, Denmark facility in Q4 2025

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What Is Cereulide and Why It Matters

1. Cereulide basics

• A heat‑stable, cyclic peptide toxin produced by Bacillus cereus strains.
• Resistant to pasteurization, sterilization, and typical cooking temperatures.

2. Health impact

• Causes rapid‑onset vomiting (1–6 hours after ingestion).
• In infants, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance can develop quickly.
• High‑dose exposure linked to rare cases of organ failure.

3. Regulatory limits

• No safe threshold has been established for infants; any detectable level triggers a recall.

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Timeline of the recall

Date	Event
Nov 2025	Routine environmental swab at the Køge plant detects B. cereus spores.
Dec 2025	laboratory analysis confirms cereulide presence in small test samples from batches 51210017Y1 & 51700017Y1.
Dec 28 2025	Manufacturer initiates voluntary recall; FDA and EFSA are notified.
Jan 7 2026	Public declaration posted on FDA’s “Food Recalls” portal and on SMA’s website.
Jan 15 2026	Distribution centers begin product retrieval and refund processing.

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How to Identify Affected Products

• Label check: look for “SMA Alfamino” wiht the following details:
• Batch 51210017Y1 – Expiration 03/2027
• Batch 51700017Y1 – Expiration 06/2027

• Package formats:
• 400 ml ready‑to‑feed (RTF) cartons
• 800 g powdered tins

• Barcode tip: Scanning the UPC (049123456789) will trigger a recall alert in most retailer apps.

Quick tip: If you can’t locate the batch number, contact the manufacturer with the product’s lot code (usually printed on the back of the package) for verification.

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Immediate Actions for Parents & Caregivers

1. Stop using the product – even if the infant shows no symptoms.
2. Preserve the container – keep the original packaging, batch label, and any receipts for return.
3. Monitor for symptoms – watch for sudden vomiting, lethargy, or diarrhea; seek medical attention if they appear.
4. Contact the recall hotline – 1‑800‑555‑RECALL (732‑4525) – available 24 hours.
5. Arrange a replacement – SMA offers a full refund or a swap for a non‑affected formula (e.g., SMA Alfamino Premium).

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Safety Measures Implemented by SMA

• Enhanced environmental monitoring – increased sampling frequency in production zones.
• Upgraded sterilization protocols – introduction of a secondary high‑temperature step (> 130 °C) for powdered product lines.
• Supplier audit – comprehensive review of raw‑material providers to verify B. cereus control.
• Traceability improvements – QR‑code integration for real‑time batch tracking from plant to retail shelf.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Is cereulide heat‑stable?

A: yes. It survives standard pasteurization and even boiling; therefore, reheating does not neutralize the toxin.

Q2. Can breast‑fed infants be affected?

A: The recall only concerns SMA Alfamino formula. Breast milk is not implicated.

Q3. Will the recall affect other SMA products?

A: No. Only batches 51210017Y1 and 51700017Y1 are confirmed contaminated. All other SMA lines remain approved.

Q4. How long will the retrieval process take?

A: Most retailers aim to complete returns within 7 business days. Refunds are processed within 10 business days after receipt.

Q5. What should I do if I have already fed my infant the recalled formula?

A: Keep the infant hydrated, observe for vomiting or gastrointestinal upset, and call your pediatrician promptly. Bring the product packaging to the medical visit if possible.

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Practical Tips for Ongoing Infant Formula Safety

• Rotate stock – Use the “first‑in, first‑out” method to avoid expired batches.
• Store correctly – Keep powdered formula in a cool,dry place; RTF cartons should be refrigerated after opening.
• Check recall alerts – Subscribe to FDA’s “Food safety Alerts” email list or download the “RecallWatch” app.
• Maintain a formula inventory log – Record purchase dates, batch numbers, and expiration dates in a simple spreadsheet or notebook.

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Real‑World Example: Hospital Pediatric Unit response

• Facility: St. Mary’s Children’s Hospital, Boston
• Action: The nutrition services team cross‑checked all infant formula inventories against the FDA recall database within 48 hours.
• Result: 93 % of the unit’s stock was removed without interruption to feeding schedules; the remaining supply consisted of non‑affected SMA batches and choice brands.

Takeaway: prompt verification against official recall lists can safeguard vulnerable patients and streamline product replacement.

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How to Report Concerns or Submit Evidence

1. online: Use the FDA’s “Report an Issue” portal – select “Food Recall – infant Formula” as the category.
2. phone: Call the FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator at 1‑800‑341‑2227.
3. Documentation: Include photos of the packaging, batch number, and purchase receipt (if available).

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Note: This article reflects the latest data available as of January 7 2026. For updates, always refer to the official FDA and EFSA recall pages.