Zimbabwe Scrambles To Remove Recalled Nestlé Infant Formula From Shops

The government has deployed officers across Zimbabwe, including at ports of entry, to track and remove recalled Nestlé products from store shelves.

Nestlé recently issued a global recall of certain baby formula products over concerns that they may contain a toxin capable of causing food poisoning. Health authorities acted quickly to prevent affected batches from reaching consumers.

In a memorandum to provincial medical directors and city health directors, Ministry of Health and Child Care Secretary, Aspect Maunganidze, confirmed that the recalled NAN Special Pro HA 0–12 800g had been distributed in several European countries, including France, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Italy, and Sweden.

The affected product comes from a single batch of Specialty Infant Formula, manufactured in Germany, which has been distributed to multiple regions.

The recalled product is identified as NAN Special Pro, Batch Number: 51660748F3, with a Best Before date of 15 December 2026, manufactured on 15 June 2025, and a shelf life of 18 months. Said Maunganidze:

“Based on the alerts received, you are advised to ensure that your officers on the ground and ports of entry are on the lookout for the named products, take them off the shelves and record the quantities and descriptions of the affected products before they are returned to the manufacturer.”

Nestlé announced the recall of certain infant formula batches recently, saying the products were unsafe and potentially contained cereulide, a substance that can cause nausea and vomiting if consumed.

Despite the recall, Nestlé stressed that the action was precautionary. The company said there have been no confirmed reports of illness linked to the products, but they are being recalled out of an abundance of caution.

Nestlé added that the safety and well-being of babies is their top priority and apologised for any concern or inconvenience caused to parents, caregivers, and customers.

The company also confirmed that unaffected products, as well as other batches of the same formula not included in the recall, are safe to consume.

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