HCMC – Nestlé Vietnam on the evening of January 8 announced a voluntary recall of 17 batches of NAN-branded infant formula as a precautionary measure, following a large-scale global recall by its parent group.
In its statement, Nestlé Vietnam said the recall was “proactive and preventive,” and applies to specific batches of NAN INFINIPRO A2 and NAN OPTIPRO PLUS products for infants, with clearly identified batch codes and expiry dates ranging from April to September 2027.
According to the company, the decision was made after routine raw material reviews identified a potential quality concern related to PUFA oil supplied by a third-party vendor. The oil may carry trace risks of cereulide, a toxin produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus, which has been linked to certain infant formula products manufactured in Europe.
Nestlé Vietnam stressed that the amount of the oil used in the affected products is small and that, to date, there is no evidence confirming the presence of cereulide in the recalled batches. However, in line with its “maximum precaution” principle, the company opted to voluntarily withdraw the potentially affected products from the market.
The recall in Vietnam comes amid what is shaping up to be one of Nestlé’s largest product recalls globally. Earlier this month, the group expanded its precautionary recall to more than 50 countries across Europe, the Americas and Asia after food safety authorities raised concerns over possible cereulide contamination in infant formula.
According to international media reports, including Reuters, the affected products include well-known brands such as SMA, BEBA, NAN and the specialized formula Alfamino. Health authorities in several countries, including Brazil, have ordered the immediate suspension of products originating from Europe, particularly those produced in the Netherlands.
Food safety experts warn that cereulide is highly heat-resistant, meaning standard preparation methods such as boiling water or mixing formula at high temperatures do not neutralize the toxin. Potential symptoms include nausea, vomiting and severe abdominal pain. Regulators have advised parents to stop using affected products immediately, even if no abnormal health signs are observed, and to seek medical advice before switching formulas prescribed for medical reasons.
