South African regulators have announced another recall of infant formula products, raising renewed concerns over contamination risks in baby nutrition supplies.
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) confirmed that two formula products manufactured by Nutricia Southern Africa have been withdrawn from retail shelves across the country. The affected items include Aptamil Nutribiotik 2 (800g) and Aptajunior Nutribiotik 3 (800g).
Nearly 3,000 Nutricia products withdrawn nationwide
According to the regulator, approximately 2,989 units have been identified as part of the recall. The products were distributed nationwide by United Pharmaceutical Distributors and have been available in stores since August 2025.
They were sold through several major pharmacy retailers, including Dis-Chem and Clicks, two of South Africa’s largest health and pharmaceutical chains.
The recall was triggered after the manufacturer identified a potential contamination risk linked to one of the raw materials used in the production process.
The substance involved is cereulide, a toxin produced by certain bacteria. Health authorities note that high exposure to cereulide can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps.
While the products were primarily sold in South Africa, Nutricia confirmed that some batches were also exported to neighbouring countries within the southern African region.
The National Consumer Commission said it is closely monitoring the recall process to ensure the company complies with consumer protection regulations.
Consumers who may have purchased the affected products have been advised to contact Nutricia through its customer service channels or official website for additional information regarding refunds or product returns.
Second baby formula recall reported in South Africa this year
The recall marks the second incident involving infant formula in South Africa this year.
Earlier in January, the NCC issued a separate recall involving a product manufactured by Nestlé. The affected item was NAN Special Pro HA 0-12 infant formula packaged in 800g tins.
The Nestlé product was manufactured on 15 June 2025 and carried an expiry date of 15 December 2026. It was identified by batch number 51660742F3 and distributed through major retailers and distributors throughout South Africa.
Some of the stock was also exported to neighbouring markets, including Namibia and Eswatini.
According to the NCC, the Nestlé recall was also linked to the possible presence of cereulide contamination, highlighting a recurring issue associated with certain ingredients used in infant nutrition manufacturing.
Nestlé previously said the recall was initiated after a quality concern was identified in an ingredient supplied by a major supplier. In response, the company began testing arachidonic acid oils and related mixtures used in the production of infant nutrition products.
Despite the precautionary recall, Nestlé indicated that no illnesses had been reported in connection with the affected products.
The NCC has urged consumers who purchased the recalled Nestlé formula to stop using the product immediately and return it to the place of purchase.
Food safety recalls are not uncommon in global infant nutrition markets, where strict regulatory standards require manufacturers to act quickly when potential contamination risks are identified. Authorities say such recalls are often precautionary measures aimed at protecting consumers, particularly infants who are more vulnerable to foodborne toxins.
South African regulators said they will continue monitoring the situation to ensure companies follow established safety procedures and consumer protection laws.
