Nestlé’s recall of key infant formula batches has sparked panic among parents—particularly mothers who face low milk supply and rely heavily on these products to feed their babies.
Products including SMA, BEBA and NAN infant and follow-on formulas were recalled by Nestle across Europe, Africa, the Americas and Asia over potential toxic contamination. Recently, following the scare, the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) also announced a voluntary and precautionary recall of Nestlé infant formula products sold in the UAE.
"Since I had low breast milk, we rely on formulas. We used Nestlé's Stage 1 products during the initial phase. Now I am scared to use formulas altogether. Now he is in Stage 2 and has started having solids, so my reliance on formulas has come down," said Krithika Sharma, based in Bengaluru.
Sreelakshmi S. also shares the same concern. "Nestle is one of the brands popularly recommended by paediatricians. On the doctor's recommendation, we have also been using Nestle NAN PRO, but we have now changed it."
Though Nestle India confirmed that its infant formula products sold in India are unaffected by the global recall, people are still concerned.
So far, no illnesses or adverse health issues have been reported linked to the recalled batches. The company's move came after tests found traces of the Bacillus cereus bacteria in the ingredient used in these products. The bacteria can produce a toxin called cereulide, which poses several health risks.
However, paediatricians and health experts have cautioned the use of packaged baby foods and infant formulas.
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"Packaged baby foods and infant formula can be contaminated with heavy metals like lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury, which can affect the brain, kidneys, and other vital organs. This could be a wake-up call for parents to opt for homemade food and breastfeeding and opt out of packaged food as much as possible," said Dr Navin Anto John, HoD, Senior Consultant, Paediatrics and Neonatology, Lakeshore Hospital.
Dr C. Jayakumar, Professor and Head of Paediatrics Department, Amrita Hospital, Kochi, said, "Breastmilk is always the best. The long chain of fatty acids and immunity proteins is unmatched in the breast milk. These days, most of the multinationals ensure quality checks, and the chance of deadly or non-deadly poisoning is very low."
In the era of light-speed information, contaminated news reaches the customers at Tachyon speed, Jayakumar added. "Use international brands, FDA or Drug Controller of India-approved products to ensure safety."
Key steps to be taken while using formulas
1. Keep containers tightly sealed and store in a cool, dry place to prevent bacterial growth.
2. Sterilise bottles before feeding.
3. If using a formula, give it immediately after preparing and throw away the formula left in the bottle after feeding.
4. If storing, store it in the fridge at 4 degrees Celsius immediately after preparing and use within 24 hours.
5 Seek medical attention if there is vomiting or diarrhoea in infants.
6 Try to use steel or glass bottles