Jamaica not affected by infant formula recall

Jamaica is not affected by a recent global recall of certain infant formula products, Nestle has confirmed, following international reports that raised concerns about contamination in products sold overseas.

Earlier this week, the global food and beverage company announced a precautionary recall of specific batches of its SMA infant and follow-on formula after tests indicated they could potentially contain cereulide, a toxin that can causes food-poisoning symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. The recall was issued "out of an abundance of caution". Nestle also said there have been no confirmed reports of illness linked to the affected products.

The recall affects products sold in several European countries, including France, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Italy and Sweden, where the formulas are marketed under different brand names. Nestle stressed that all other products and unaffected batches remain safe to consume. Siti Jones Gordon, head of marketing and communications at Nestle Anglo Dutch Caribbean Limited, reassured Jamaican parents that the local market is unaffected.

"At this time, we want to make it clear that the recalls do not impact Jamaica," Jones Gordon said. "We are conducting a precautionary recall of specific infant products sold in other countries - a couple in this region, but none in the Caribbean or the English-speaking Caribbean."

She explained that the recall was triggered after Nestle identified a quality issue with an ingredient supplied by a third-party provider, which is used in some infant nutrition products internationally.

"Once impacted or suspected batches are identified, those products are immediately blocked from distribution," she told THE WEEKEND STAR. "There was tracking carried out, and when we assessed our market, we realised Jamaica is not impacted. As a result, there is no action required at this time."

Jones Gordon added that product brands and batch numbers vary by country, depending on local food safety laws, and that Nestle teams are working with the authorities in affected markets to remove products and communicate with consumers.

"No illnesses have been confirmed in connection with any product," she said. "Nestle takes this very seriously, and that is why the recall was issued as a preventive measure, even though it does not affect the English-speaking Caribbean."

Cereulide is a toxin produced by certain strains of the Bacillus cereus bacteria and can cause rapid-onset food-poisoning symptoms such as vomiting and stomach cramps. Food safety authorities note that the toxin is not destroyed by boiling or cooking, which is why affected products are recalled as a precaution.

Despite Jamaica not being impacted, Nestle said its consumer engagement services remain available to support parents or caregivers who may still have concerns.