Nestlé, the Swiss food giant, has issued a public apology following a large-scale recall of infant formula due to concerns of possible contamination. The recall, which was initiated in January 2026, affects 42 countries in Europe, seven in the Americas, and 11 across Asia, Oceania, and Africa, including Australia, China, and the Philippines. In a video message, CEO Philipp Navratil apologized to parents and guardians, stating that the company takes full responsibility for the issue and is committed to providing safe and high-quality products.
The recall was prompted by a quality concern identified at one of Nestlé’s factories in the Netherlands in December 2025. An investigation revealed that the source of the issue was a specific raw material from one of the company’s suppliers. Nestlé immediately stopped distribution of all products with the affected raw material and initiated a precautionary recall in coordination with relevant authorities.
The recalled products may contain cereulide, a bacterial toxin that can trigger nausea and vomiting. Popular brands such as Beba and specialist formulas, including Alfamino, are among those affected. In the Philippines, limited batches of NAN OPTIPRO and NANKID OPTIPRO infant formula were included in the recall. Nestlé has reassured customers that no illnesses have been confirmed in connection with the products involved to date.
Navratil emphasized that food safety and trust are the company’s top priorities, stating that “what’s important to me in this situation is that we remain guided by our values.” He added that the company’s actions demonstrate its commitment to upholding the highest quality and safety standards. Nestlé has also confirmed that the financial impact of the recall is not expected to be significant, representing well under 0.5% of its annual sales.
The company has taken steps to address the issue, including testing all arachidonic acid (ARA) oil and corresponding oil mixes used in its potentially affected infant nutrition products. Navratil has apologized sincerely for the worry and disruption caused to parents and guardians, stating that he understands the importance of providing safe and high-quality products as a parent himself. The recall serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing food safety and quality, and Nestlé’s commitment to upholding these standards.