If you purchased or fed recalled Nestlé infant formula to your child and they became ill or you incurred medical or related losses, you may qualify for a free legal review.
Our legal team offers a no-obligation consultation and accepts representation on a contingency-fee basis.
Table Of Contents
What’s the Problem?
In early January 2026, Nestlé voluntarily recalled several SMA infant formula and follow-on formula products because tests detected the presence of cereulide, a toxin produced by strains of Bacillus cereus that can cause foodborne illness. The contaminated ingredient has been traced to arochidonic acid (ARA) oil supplied to multiple manufacturers, including Nestlé, Danone and Lactalis, and used in formulas to provide essential nutrients for infant development. Public health agencies have urged caregivers to stop using affected products and consult medical professionals if symptoms occur. [1]
Latest Updates
- January 5, 2026 – Nestlé announced a voluntary recall of specific SMA infant formula and follow-on formula due to a potential cereulide toxin contamination. [2]
- January 22, 2026 – The recall expanded as major manufacturers including Danone and Lactalis also pulled products containing the same contaminated ARA oil in multiple countries. [3]
- Late January 2026 – Consumer advocacy groups filed legal complaints in France alleging delayed warnings and linking recalled formula consumption to serious infant illnesses; investigations into possible infant deaths are ongoing. [4]
Products Being Recalled
The voluntary recall covers a range of identified Nestlé infant formula and follow-on formula products that may contain cereulide toxin. A non-exhaustive list based on regulatory notices includes: [5]
- SMA Advanced First Infant Milk 800g (specific batch codes)
- SMA Advanced Follow-On Milk 800g (specific batch codes)
- SMA First Infant Milk (400g, 800g, 1.2kg; specific batch codes)
- SMA Little Steps First Infant Milk 800g (specific batch codes)
- SMA Comfort 800g (specific batch codes)
- SMA ALFAMINO 400g (wide range of batch codes)
- SMA Anti-Reflux 800g (specific batch codes)
- SMA First Infant Milk 200ml and 70ml ready-to-feed formulas (specific batch codes)
- SMA Lactose Free 400g (specific batch codes)
Where and When the Products Were Sold
Nestlé’s recall has affected products distributed across more than 60 countries, primarily in Europe but also in regions including Australia, Brazil, China, Mexico and South Africa. The ARA oil contamination was first detected in late 2025, and manufacturers began withdrawing products in early January 2026 as a precautionary public health measure. Regulatory agencies are actively tracing affected products at points of sale and issuing consumer advisories. [1]
Health Risks and Incidents
Cereulide is a heat-stable toxin that resists normal preparation processes and can lead to food poisoning symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea within hours of ingestion. Because infants are particularly vulnerable to foodborne toxins, caregivers are urged to stop using recalled formula immediately and seek medical care if symptoms appear. Reports suggest at least one infant fell ill after consuming recalled Nestlé formula, and authorities in France are investigating possible links to infant deaths, though conclusive causation has not been established. [4]
Do You Qualify for a Nestlé Infant Formula Recall Lawsuit?
You may qualify for legal action if:
- You purchased or fed your infant one of the recalled Nestlé formula products listed above.
- Your baby developed symptoms consistent with toxin exposure requiring medical evaluation.
- You have documentation linking the recalled product to the incident, such as batch codes, receipts or medical records.
- You incurred financial losses such as medical expenses, lost income, or related costs following illness.
Evidence You Should Gather
- Photos of product packaging showing brand and batch code.
- Proof of purchase and purchase dates.
- Medical records documenting infant symptoms and treatment.
- Documentation of out-of-pocket costs and caregiver impacts.
Damages You Can Recover
- Medical and hospital expenses.
- Lost wages for caregiving time.
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress.
- Related out-of-pocket costs.
Legal Theories & Liability Grounds
Potential legal grounds for a Nestlé Infant Formula Recall Lawsuit may include:
- Strict product liability if contaminated products were sold in an unsafe condition.
- Negligence related to ingredient safety, supplier oversight and quality controls.
- Failure to warn caregivers about risks in a timely manner before public notices.
Why You Should Act Now
The Nestlé recall highlights serious food safety and infant nutrition concerns tied to cereulide contamination. If your child consumed recalled formula and became ill, documenting evidence and consulting with experienced legal counsel promptly can help protect your rights and clarify potential compensation options. [1]
References
- https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/jan/30/fsa-toxin-nestle-sma-baby-formula-milk
- https://www.nestle.co.uk/en-gb/media/sma-infant-formula-follow-on-formula-recall
- https://www.euronews.com/health/2026/01/22/global-baby-formula-recall-nestle-danone-lactalis-pull-products-after-toxin-alert
- https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/consumer-group-files-complaint-after-infant-milk-recalls-2026-01-29/
- https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-02-2026
Published by