Nestlé has recalled five batches of its Alfamino infant formula in New Zealand after the potential presence of a toxin that can cause gastrointestinal illness was identified.

New Zealand Food Safety, Pharmac and the Ministry of Health are supporting the recall, which affects a specialised formula used for babies with milk allergies.

The concern relates to cereulide, a toxin produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus, which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. However, NZ Food Safety says there have been no reports of illness in New Zealand or internationally linked to the affected products.

“The problem with these products is that they could contain cereulide, a toxin produced by the micro-organism Bacillus cereus, which can cause gastrointestinal illness,” said NZ Food Safety deputy director‑general Vincent Arbuckle. “Fortunately, there have been no reports of associated illness here in New Zealand or internationally.”

The affected products are imported and are not available in supermarkets. They are mainly publicly funded and distributed through hospitals, pharmacies and GPs, although a small amount may have been bought over the counter at pharmacies or online.

The recalled Alfamino 400g batches are:

- Batch 51070017Y2 – use‑by date of April 17, 2027

- Batch 51080017Y1 – use‑by April 18, 2027

- Batch 51480017Y3 – use‑by May 28, 2027

- Batch 51490017Y1 – use‑by May 29, 2027

- Batch 52030017Y1 – use‑by July 22, 2027

Prescribers and pharmacies are being advised of the recall and asked to inform parents and caregivers of infants who have been prescribed Alfamino.

“If you have the affected Alfamino formula at home, do not feed it to your baby if at all possible, and return it to the place of purchase,” Arbuckle said.

Pharmac funds several infant formula products, and parents and caregivers are encouraged to discuss suitable options with their pharmacist or GP.

“For parents and guardians with affected batches and no alternative infant formula for tonight and tomorrow, please contact Healthline, which can help,” he said.

Symptoms associated with cereulide exposure may include vomiting and diarrhoea, which can be severe or persistent, as well as unusual lethargy. Symptoms typically appear between 30 minutes and six hours after exposure and usually resolve within 24 hours.

Anyone concerned about their baby’s health is advised to contact a healthcare provider or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free advice.

NZ Food Safety will work with Nestlé to determine how the contamination occurred and to prevent a recurrence. The recall follows a wider international recall by Nestlé after cereulide was detected in an ingredient used in products sold overseas.

More information is available on the New Zealand Food Safety recall page and on Nestlé’s website, or by calling 0800 864 685.