Infant formula recalled due to potential toxin contamination

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is coordinating an Australia-wide recall of two specific batches of Alula infant formula products due to the potential presence of the toxin cereulide. The affected Sanulac Nutritionals Australia Pty Ltd products are Alula Gold Reflux and Alula Colic and Constipation.

Acting FSANZ CEO Christel Leemhuis said the action follows an international recall by Lactalis, which prompted Sanulac to recall its affected batches.

“The potential presence of the cereulide toxin has been linked to an ingredient used in the Alula products, the same situation which led to a recent recall of specialist infant formula products,” Leemhuis said.

“Cereulide can cause gastrointestinal illness but there have been no reports of associated illness in Australia.”

This follows another recall earlier this month of five batches of Nestlé’s ALFAMINO infant formula for babies with milk allergies due to the potential presence of the toxin cereulide.

Testing for cereulide in infant formula is not part of industry-standard product release protocols, because the occurrence of cereulide in infant formula is considered to be very rare. Nevertheless, Nestlé said in its statement that “broader monitoring protocols allowed us to detect the issue, identify the source of the contamination from a global industry supplier, and officially alert the relevant trade associations so that other manufacturers could be informed. The food manufacturer is now working with industry associations and regulators to help build a deeper understanding of the presence of cereulide in infant formula and corresponding risk management approaches”.

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