Nestlé has launched a precautionary recall of several batches of infant formula sold in Austria after traces of a bacterial toxin were detected in one ingredient supplied to the manufacturer.
The recall affects specific batches of BEBA and ALFAMINO baby formula products that were also available on the Austrian market, according to a statement by the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES).
Why were the products recalled?
The recall was initiated on January 5th, 2026, after tests detected possible traces of the toxin cereulide in one ingredient used in the affected products, according to an AGES report.
Cereulide is a toxin produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus. While the microorganism is relatively common in the environment, cereulide itself has no place in infant food products, even in extremely small quantities, the agency said.
AGES added that the concentrations detected in the affected batches were so low that they do not pose a health risk. However, the recall was issued as a precautionary measure in line with strict food safety standards.
READ ALSO: How you can check for food contamination warnings in Austria
Are babies in Austria at risk?
According to AGES, there is no known health risk to infants from the affected products. Authorities stressed that no illnesses or symptoms linked to the recalled formula have been reported, either in Austria or internationally.
Despite this, both AGES and Nestlé said that parents should not feed the affected products to their children. Even minimal traces of cereulide are unacceptable in baby food, which is why the products were removed from sale.
AGES confirmed that all affected items were withdrawn from shops during the Christmas period and are no longer available for purchase.
What should parents do if they have the product at home?
Parents who have purchased an affected product should stop using it immediately and return it to the place of purchase.
Nestlé said the full purchase price will be refunded even if customers no longer have the receipt. The company has published a detailed list of affected products, including batch numbers and best-before dates, on its website.
The batch number and best-before date can be found on the bottom of the tin or on the folding carton.
What if my baby has symptoms?
If an infant shows symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhoea, parents should consult a paediatrician or seek medical care immediately.
AGES emphasised that these symptoms can lead to complications in infants very quickly, regardless of the underlying cause. Medical advice should be sought even if parents are unsure whether the symptoms are connected to the recalled products.
What has Nestlé said?
In a statement published alongside the recall notice, Nestlé said the safety and well-being of infants is its top priority.
The company said it decided to carry out the recall as a precaution and in close cooperation with Austrian authorities. Nestlé also stressed that no illnesses linked to the products have been confirmed and that all other Nestlé baby food products and unaffected batches remain safe to consume.
Parents with questions can contact Nestlé Consumer Services in Austria by phone on 0800 23 44 944 or by email at konsumenten.service@at.nestle.com.
Where can I find official updates?
AGES has published consumer information about the recall on its product warning and recall portal, including links to Nestlé’s batch lists and safety guidance.
Parents are advised to rely on official updates from AGES and the manufacturer rather than social media posts or unofficial lists, as only certain batches are affected.
Key vocabulary
der Rückruf – product recall
die Säuglingsnahrung – infant formula
die Chargennummer – batch number
das Mindesthaltbarkeitsdatum – best-before date
der Vorsorgerückruf – precautionary recall
die Lebensmittelsicherheit – food safety
die Gesundheitsbehörde – health authority
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