Nestle recalls two batches of NAN OPTIpro 1 infant formula in Poland over bacterial toxin

Sanitary authorities order formula recall

On Monday, 17 August 2026, Poland's Chief Sanitary Inspectorate issued a public health warning regarding two batches of infant formula distributed by Nestle Polska. The regulatory action followed official laboratory testing by the State Sanitary Inspection that detected cereulide in samples of NAN OPTIpro 1. The affected product is sold in 650-gram packages with a minimum durability date of June 2027. Manufactured in the Netherlands, the infant milk is distributed throughout the Polish market from Nestle's corporate office in Warsaw. Officials confirmed that the withdrawal directly targets batch L-53430346BA, where the substance was identified, and encompasses a second batch produced immediately afterward.

Toxin risks and safety thresholds

Cereulide is an emetic toxin generated by certain strains of Bacillus cereus bacteria. The compound is heat-stable and survives standard food manufacturing processes, capable of inducing sudden nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps upon ingestion. Polish inspection authorities confirmed that the concentration of cereulide measured in samples from the production cycle remained below the official European Union intervention limit established by the European Food Safety Authority in February 2026. Despite the sub-threshold reading, sanitary officials and company representatives opted for a full recall to eliminate potential exposure risks.

The Chief Sanitary Inspectorate explained the reasoning behind extending the recall beyond the tested batch.

Nestle, as a precautionary measure, is also withdrawing a second batch of infant formula produced immediately after the batch examined during official food control.

Health assessment and consumer guidance

A formal risk assessment compiled by experts at the National Institute of Public Health NIH - National Research Institute evaluated the potential medical impact on young children. The assessment determined that while an isolated feeding is unlikely to induce acute toxic symptoms, ongoing consumption across several days or weeks could produce negative health consequences. Health authorities classified the overall risk to infants as low to moderate, varying primarily with the age and weight of the infant. Parents have been advised to consult a physician immediately if an infant exhibits signs of gastrointestinal distress after consuming formula from either batch.

The public health institute published its assessment regarding the cumulative exposure risks.

Although a single consumption of the product should not cause toxic effects, it cannot be ruled out that consuming the questioned batch for a longer period will cause negative health effects.

Company response and exchange process

Nestle Polska accepted the precautionary stance of state regulators and began removing the affected merchandise from store shelves and distribution warehouses. The company stated that no other infant nutrition products under the Nestle brand are subject to the recall notice. Customers who have bought the 650-gram cans are instructed to verify the identification codes printed on the underside of the containers. To handle product returns and replacements, the distributor activated a free telephone hotline at 800 174 902 and provided an email contact through its consumer service department. The State Sanitary Inspection continues to oversee the recall across commercial channels.