The ministry of health has confirmed that only one specific infant formula product is affected in Eswatini, following a global recall by multinational food company Nestlé over possible contamination concerns.
As previously reported, Emaswati parents were initially assured that the country had not been listed among those affected by Nestlé’s worldwide recall of selected baby formula products, which were withdrawn over fears of possible contamination by a dangerous toxin.
Providing an update on the matter, Ministry of Health Communications Officer Nsindiso Tsabedze said Eswatini has since been notified of one potentially affected batch of infant formula.
“The ministry has received notice of a potentially affected batch of NAN Special Pro HA 800g (0–12 months), specifically batch number 51660742F3, following the global recall by Nestlé,” Tsabedze said.
The recall relates to concerns over the possible presence of cereulide, a toxin produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus, which can cause severe nausea and vomiting and, in extreme cases, lead to serious health complications, particularly in infants.
The ministry has indicated that the recall is precautionary and applies only to the identified product and batch, with parents and caregivers urged not to panic.
| Eswatini’s health ministry confirms only one batch of Nestlé NAN Special
Pro HA infant formula is affected by a global recall.
Local shops across the country have been contacted, according to Tsabedze, and advised to remove the affected batch from their shelves, while consumers are encouraged to check batch numbers on containers to determine whether they are in possession of the affected product.
Parents who discover that they have the affected formula have been advised to stop feeding it to their babies immediately and to seek suitable alternatives in consultation with a medical practitioner.
It was said that the affected product should be returned to the retailer, who will then contact the environmental health department for proper disposal.
The ministry further reassured the public that no illnesses had been reported as a result of babies consuming the specified formula.
Nestlé has also assured authorities that all other baby food products and batches not listed in the recall remain safe for consumption.
The ministry assured the country that they were closely monitoring the situation and reiterated that the recall does not affect any other infant formula products currently available in Eswatini.
