mobile-logo

Microbial risk in infant formula – Bacillus cereus in raw ingredients risking cereulide toxin, violating infant nutrition safety standards.

Kuwait Recalls Nestlé S-26 AR Gold Infant Formula Over Imported Ingredient Concerns

Recall March 04 , 2026

Share
Mail-bulk Linkedin X-twitter

Category of the Product: Infant Formula

Type of the Product: Food & Beverages – Microbial Contamination / Ingredient Quality Non-Compliance

Reason for Announcement
Microbial risk in infant formula – Bacillus cereus in raw ingredients risking cereulide toxin, violating infant nutrition safety standards.

The Kuwait Public Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN) initiated a voluntary and limited recall of specific batches of Nestle’s infant formula ‘S-26 AR Gold.’ The recall was initiated on the 14th of January 2026. The recall was initiated because of a manufacturer’s alert through the European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) and not through the GRASF. Consumers were urged to check batch codes and dispose of affected products immediately.

Reason for Warning

The Kuwait Public Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN) initiated a recall because of the possibility of contamination in the infant formula from harmful contaminants present in the raw materials. The possibility of contamination was detected through Nestle’s quality checks following the production of the infant formula. PAFN issued a consumer safety recall as a precautionary measure. Nestle issued this recall globally, covering 37 countries including GCC countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. No reported cases occurred but Nestle took swift action as a precautionary measure to avoid any harm. The recall is like that issued in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where Nestle’s internal checks prompted the recall without any independent testing mandates. [1]

Root Cause Analysis

The root cause of this problem is that traces of Bacillus cereus bacterium were found in a key input to their production line, which comes from a third-party supplier to Nestle’s France factory, which has the potential to produce heat-stable cereulide toxin. Although this bacterium was able to bypass initial quality checks such as pasteurization, it was caught after production through RASFF notifications. Nestlé’s investigation confirmed raw material microbial inconsistencies as the trigger, leading to voluntary global batch holds and withdrawals.  [2]

Product Description

Attribute

Details

Brand

Nestlé S-26 AR Gold ​

Type

Anti-reflux infant formula (0-12 months) ​

Packaging

400g tins ​

Affected Batches

5125080661 (Prod: 05/05/2025, Exp: 27/10/2026); 5185080661 (Prod: 04/07/2025, Exp: 26/12/2026); 5330080661 (in shipment); others per notice ​

Origin

Manufactured in France, imported ​

Distributed in

Kuwait retailers (e.g., Carrefour) ​

Issue Identified

The major issue identified with the product through RASFF and Nestle’s quality checks was the presence of Bacillus cereus bacterium in the raw materials of S-26 AR Gold infant formula, risking cereulide toxin formation.

Some of the health issues reported for this infant formula include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Gastrointestinal disorders
  • Food poisoning, which is severe in newborns
  • Worsened reflux or lethargy in vulnerable infants

Although no illnesses were reported, as the amount of contamination levels was low, infants, especially premature or immunocompromised infants, who normally have no prior predisposition to illness was a major concern. Infant formulas are considered safe and are a source of nutrition for babies. Therefore, the level of contamination is a clear indication that even low-level problems require immediate removal of the product from the market. [3]

Concerns from Regulatory Body

PAFN prioritized immediate disposal for health protection and collaborated with Nestle for market withdrawal. Similarly, other GCC authorities, such as the UAE’s Emirates Drug Establishment and SFDA in Saudi Arabia, also issued similar notifications based on Nestle’s voluntary notifications and information from RASFF. Their focus was on the safety of infants in accordance with their legislation.

Manufacturer / Consumer Guidance

For Manufacturers and Distributors:

  • Stop the distribution, sale, and import of the batches of S-26 AR Gold. Quarantine the stock in the warehouses and initiate withdrawal from the stores such as Carrefour/Lulu. Ensure the provision of full traceability records for the supervised destruction of the products.
  • Post in-store notifications and website updates with the batches of the product (e.g., 5125080661, 5185080661, 5330080661), etc., and communicate the same in an open manner. Strengthen supplier audits, pre-shipment microbial testing, and RASFF monitoring.
  • Notification of compliance to the PAFN. Non-compliance may attract import bans/penalties in accordance with the GCC and food safety regulations.
Kuwait Recalls Nestlé S-26 AR Gold Infant Formula

For Consumers:

  • Stop use immediately; check tin base for listed batches; dispose of safely in sealed trash (no consumption, pet feeding, donation, or resale).
  • Contact Nestle Careline (Kuwait – 1888; regional – 800-NESTLE) or MENA website/app for refunds or replacements without receipts; verify through PAFN hotline (19022) – only use trusted sources.
  • Consult paediatricians for alternatives; monitor for vomiting, lethargy, or reflux changes.  [4]

FRL Commentary

Nestle’s voluntary recall, communicated through RASFF and not GRASF, shows effective global supply chain vigilance but exposes reliance on supplier quality. GCC organizations like PAFN responded quickly to manufacturer information, eliminating risks without GRASF invocation. It emphasizes the importance of pre-import microbial testing; no issues were reported, proving its success.

Conclusion

The voluntary action taken by Nestle regarding their S-26 AR Gold infant formula in Kuwait, because of ingredient contamination reported to RASFF, reinforces infant safety via PAFN-Nestle collaboration; it is imperative that consumers take necessary precautions as advised. It strengthens GCC’s resilience against imported risks, which should prompt supplier audits.

Contact Food Research Lab for expert consultation regarding food safety regulations, supplier audits, or other food safety issues.

References

  1. Khaleej Times. (n.d.). Kuwait recalls S26 AR Gold infant formula batches. https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/gulf/kuwait-recalls-s26-ar-gold-infant-formula-batches
  2. Nestlé Middle East & North Africa. (n.d.). Voluntary recall notice: Limited infant formula batches. https://www.nestle-mena.com/en/media/pressreleases/allpressreleases/voluntary-recall-notice-limited-infant-formula-batches
  3. Kuwait Times. (n.d.). Official details safety measures following infant formula recall. https://kuwaittimes.com/article/38443/kuwait/other-news/official-details-safety-measures-following-infant-formula-recall/
  4. The Global Filipino Magazine. (n.d.). Kuwait recalls selected batches of S-26 AR Gold infant formula over safety concerns. https://theglobalfilipinomagazine.com/kuwait-recalls-selected-batches-of-s-26-ar-gold-infant-formula-over-safety-concerns/
Food Research Circle Logo
Let’s create something Innovative and Delicious together

Food Research Lab strives for excellence in new Food, Beverage and Nutraceutical Product Research and Development by offering cutting edge scientific analysis and expertise.

New Product Concepts

New Product Concepts
Sample Request

Sample Request
Quote Request

Quote Request
Connect An Expert

Connect an Expert
whatsapp