Nestlé controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
2026
Nestlé recalls specific SMA infant formula batches in Ireland over cereulide risk
Recall announced
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland advised that Nestlé is voluntarily recalling specific batches of SMA infant formula and follow-on formula due to the potential presence of cereulide, a toxin produced by some Bacillus cereus strains that can cause food poisoning. The recall is precautionary, with no reported cases of illness to date, and caregivers are advised not to feed the recalled products to infants or young children.
Company response
Recall — Nestlé
Source excerpt
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) today advises that Nestlé is voluntarily recalling specific batches of its SMA infant formula and follow-on formula due to the potential presence of cereulide.
Cereulide is a toxin produced by some strains of the bacterium Bacillus cereus, which can cause food poisoning.
This recall is a precautionary measure being taken in the interest of public health, and there have been no reported cases of illness to date.
2026
Nestlé recalls baby food batches in Europe over toxin contamination risk
Recall announced
Nestlé initiated a public recall of batches of baby food in several European countries as a precautionary measure after Austrian authorities detected small amounts of cereulide, a toxin causing food poisoning, in two batches. The recall affects the Beba brand and special products such as Alfamino sold in Germany, Italy, Austria, Spain, Denmark, Sweden and Finland, among others. The company said the cause was a technical cleaning defect at a supplier that contaminated an ingredient in December. No illness cases have been reported.
Company response
Recall — Nestlé
On Monday, the public recall was triggered.
Source excerpt
Swiss food and beverage giant Nestlé is recalling batches of baby food in several European countries as a precautionary measure.
The well-known brand Beba and special products such as Alfamino are affected.
Controls carried out by the authorities in Austria detected small amounts of cereulide – a toxin that causes food poisoning characterised by nausea and vomiting – in two batches.
2026
Texas Attorney General sues Nestlé and Gerber over toxic heavy metals in baby food
Lawsuit filed
The Texas Attorney General brought legal proceedings against Nestlé and its US subsidiary Gerber Products under the Texas Unfair Trade Practices Act, alleging the companies misled parents about toxic heavy metals in Gerber baby food. The suit alleges Gerber claimed its products were safe and rigorously tested while its own tests showed dangerous levels of arsenic and lead, including rice flour batches used between 2017 and 2019 with more than nine times the permitted arsenic concentration, carrots with up to 17 times the cadmium limit, and sweet potatoes with nearly 10 times the lead limit, and that Gerber issued no recalls or warnings after 2021 lab findings of excess arsenic in rice cereal. Nestlé was not immediately available for comment.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has brought legal proceedings against Nestlé and its US subsidiary Gerber Products under the Texas Unfair Trade Practices Act, alleging the companies misled parents about toxic heavy metals in Gerber baby food. The suit alleges Gerber claimed its products were safe and rigorously tested while its own tests showed dangerous levels of arsenic and lead, including rice flour batches used between 2017 and 2019 with more than nine times the permitted arsenic concentration, carrots with up to 17 times the cadmium limit, and sweet potatoes with nearly 10 times the lead limit, and that Gerber issued no recalls or warnings after 2021 lab findings of excess arsenic in rice cereal. Nestlé was not immediately available for comment.
Stated objective. Per Paxton: "When a company makes promises regarding baby food, I hold it accountable and ensure it keeps them"
Source excerpt
the Texas Attorney General said in a statement released on Wednesday
who has brought a legal action under the Texas Unfair Trade Practices Act (DTPA)
2019
Nestlé recalls cookie dough products over possible rubber contamination
Recall announced
Nestlé announced a voluntary recall of certain refrigerated Nestlé Toll House cookie dough products distributed in the United States and Puerto Rico following reports of food-grade rubber pieces. The company stated that it had identified and fixed the source of the contamination. According to the announcement, no illnesses or injuries had been reported in connection with the recalled products.
Company response
Remediation — Nestlé
We have identified the source of the rubber and have already fixed the issue.
Apology — Nestlé
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this action represents to both our consumers and retail customers.
Source excerpt
Nestlé said the recall is limited to certain ready-to-bake refrigerated products that have batch codes from 9189 to 9295.
The company said there have been no reported illnesses, injuries or any other medical issues from customers who may have purchased the products.
Nestlé has announced a voluntary recall of a number of their raw cookie dough products over fears they may be contaminated with traces of rubber.