Egyptian Authorities Recall Limited Nestlé Baby Formula Batches Over Potential Toxin Risk

Egyptian authorities have announced a precautionary recall of limited batches of Nestlé infant formula after the possible presence of a toxic substance known as Cereulide was identified in one of the raw materials used during manufacturing.

The decision was issued by the Egyptian Drug Authority in coordination with the National Food Safety Authority, following an official notification from Nestlé Egypt, which confirmed the implementation of a voluntary preventive withdrawal for specific production batches.

The announcement raised concern among parents, especially after experts confirmed that Cereulide is heat-resistant and cannot be destroyed by boiling or traditional formula preparation. If exposure occurs, the toxin may cause rapid symptoms in infants, including severe nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.

Dr. Ali Abdullah, Director of the Pharmaceutical Studies Center, stated that the economic impact of the recall on Egypt is expected to be limited, and may even benefit competing products. He emphasized that the most important step at this stage is accurate verification of information and transparent communication with the public.

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In statements to Al-Masry Al-Youm, Dr. Abdullah stressed the importance of swift coordination between regulatory authorities and manufacturers to confirm product names, batch numbers, and production dates, and to ensure that any non-compliant batches are immediately withdrawn from pharmacies and points of sale.

While pharmacies are generally compliant due to strict regulation and oversight, Dr. Abdullah noted that the bigger challenge lies in monitoring supermarkets, grocery stores, and hypermarkets, calling for expanded inspection efforts to guarantee full implementation of the recall.

The National Food Safety Authority (NFSA) confirmed that the product mentioned in international warnings is not registered, not licensed, and not available in the Egyptian market. The authority also reassured parents that all infant formula sold locally is subject to strict registration, testing, and continuous monitoring in line with the latest health standards.

However, as a precautionary measure, authorities ordered the immediate recall of a limited number of batches from Nestlé-produced infant formula after traces of Cereulide, a toxin produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus, were detected in one raw ingredient — arachidonic acid oil (ARA).

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health announced that 2025 saw major upgrades to Egypt’s infant formula distribution system, including updated dispensing regulations, digitization of outlets, and expanded access nationwide, with 1,235 digitized distribution points operating across 27 governorates.

Authorities stressed that the recall is preventive, no illnesses have been reported, and investigations and monitoring efforts are ongoing to ensure infant safety.