Khaberni - After Nestlé announced a global recall of several popular infant milk products, as a precaution due to concerns that they might contain a toxic substance potentially leading to food poisoning in infants, concern has yet again enveloped families worldwide. Despite the company's assurance that no confirmed cases of illness have been recorded so far, a pressing question emerges: What are the dangerous signs that may indicate food poisoning in infants, and when does medical intervention become urgently necessary?
The company said in an official statement published by "The Sun," that "the safety and well-being of children are our absolute priority," explaining that the recall decision followed the discovery of a substance known as "Cereulide" in some raw materials used in one of the production facilities.
What is the reason for the recall?
Cereulide is a toxin produced by some strains of Bacillus cereus, and can lead to symptoms of food poisoning that appear quickly, even with milk prepared with boiling water, as the British Food Standards Agency (FSA) confirms that heat does not destroy this toxin.
The recall affected several batches of SMA infant milk, distributed in more than 50 countries, with expiration dates ranging from October 2026 to November 2027.
How to know if the product is affected?
Nestlé advised consumers to check the batch code found under the metal package or on the cardboard box, and compare it with the list of recalled batches, confirming that products not mentioned in the recall notice are safe for consumption.
The company emphasized the importance of not feeding children any product from the affected batches.
3 Main Signs of Food Poisoning in Infants
According to health authorities, symptoms of food poisoning may appear within a period ranging from 30 minutes to 6 hours after consuming contaminated milk, including: frequent vomiting, diarrhea, colic and stomach pains, possibly accompanied by unusual drowsiness or increased irritability and crying.
When does it become dangerous?
Doctors warn that vomiting and diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration in infants, which is extremely dangerous at this life stage.
Signs of dehydration that require attention include: reduced urination, dry mouth and lips, reduced tears when crying, sunken eyes, and lethargy or unusual agitation
Severe dehydration symptoms include: clear drowsiness, pale or blotchy skin, and the hands or feet being cold, with the observation that diapers are rarely wet, accompanied by rapid and shallow breathing in children.
Health Warning
In turn, the British Food Standards Agency has urged parents and caregivers to seek medical advice immediately if any concerning symptoms appear on the infant, whether through a specialist doctor or emergency health services.
