As of January 8, 2026, the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE), in coordination with Nestlé, has announced a voluntary and precautionary baby formula recall across the UAE. This move follows a global safety alert regarding the potential presence of Cereulide, a toxin produced by Bacillus cereus bacteria, in specific batches of infant nutrition products. While no illnesses have been reported in the UAE to date, authorities have urged parents and caregivers to stop using the affected formulas immediately to ensure the highest standards of infant safety.
Which Products Are Affected in the UAE?
The current baby formula recall specifically targets limited batches of the following popular brands sold in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates:
| Brand Name | Specific Variants Affected |
| NAN | NAN Comfort 1, NAN OPTIPRO 1, NAN SUPREME PRO 1, 2, 3 |
| S-26 | S-26 Ultima 1, 2, 3 |
| Specialty Formula | Alfamino (400g) |
Note: All other Nestlé products not listed above are considered safe for consumption.
How to Identify Recalled Formula Batches
To determine if your product is part of the baby formula recall, you must check the Batch Code and Expiry Date located at the bottom of the tin.
The EDE has confirmed that the affected batches have already been quarantined in warehouses, but some units may still be in households. If your batch code matches the official list provided on the Nestlé MENA website or the EDE portal, do not feed it to your baby.
Understanding the Risk: What is Cereulide?
The reason for this baby formula recall is the discovery of a “quality issue” in a raw material (arachidonic acid oil) provided by a supplier. This ingredient was found to contain traces of Bacillus cereus, which can produce the Cereulide toxin.
Important Safety Note: Unlike common bacteria, Cereulide is heat-stable. This means that boiling water used to prepare the formula will not destroy the toxin.
Symptoms to watch for (within 30 minutes to 6 hours):
- Sudden nausea or severe vomiting.
- Abdominal cramps or stomach pain.
- Diarrhea or lethargy.
Action Plan for Parents and Caregivers
If you have purchased a product included in the baby formula recall, follow these steps:
- Stop Feeding Immediately: Even if your baby seems fine, discontinue use of the affected batch.
- Contact for Refund: Take a photo of the tin and the batch code. Contact the Nestlé Consumer Engagement Center at the number printed on the tin or visit their official UAE website for a full refund or replacement.
- Consult a Paediatrician: If your child has consumed the formula and shows signs of gastrointestinal distress, seek medical advice from your healthcare provider or visit the nearest emergency room.
- Dispose or Return: You can return the affected tins to the pharmacy or supermarket where they were purchased.
Regulatory Oversight in the Gulf
The UAE is working closely with health authorities in Saudi Arabia (SFDA), Qatar, and Kuwait, who have issued similar warnings. This coordinated regional response ensures that the baby formula recall is handled swiftly to protect the most vulnerable members of our community. The EDE continues to monitor the supply chain to ensure all points of sale, including online retailers, have removed the impacted batches.
