MFDA cautions pharmacies after toxin detected in Nestle SMA infant formula batches

The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has issued a warning to pharmacies across the country after contaminated batches of Nestle's SMA‑brand infant formula were found to contain cereulide, a toxin linked to food poisoning.

According to the MFDA, laboratory checks identified the presence of cereulide in several batches of SMA infant formula and followed‑on formula. The authority said Nestle' has decided to withdraw the affected products from the market as a precautionary measure. Similar recalls have been issued internationally after the toxin was detected in raw materials used in SMA and other Nestle' infant nutrition products.

Cereulide is a heat‑stable toxin produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus. Consumption of contaminated products can cause rapid‑onset symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps, according to food safety agencies abroad.

Products flagged by MFDA

The contaminated items include SMA products with expiry dates falling in April, May, June, July, October and November 2026. The MFDA listed the following products:

• SMA Advance First Infant Milk 800g  

• SMA Advance Follow‑on Milk 800g  

• SMA Anti‑Reflux 800g  

• SMA Alfamino 400g  

• SMA First Infant Milk 800g  

• SMA First Infant Milk 400g  

• SMA First Infant Milk 1.2kg  

• SMA Little Steps First Infant Milk 800g  

• SMA Comfort 800g  

• SMA First Infant Milk 200ml  

• SMA First Infant Milk 70ml  

• SMA Lactose Free 400g  

International food safety authorities have also warned that cereulide contamination makes these products unsafe for infants, noting that the toxin cannot be destroyed by boiling water or normal formula preparation.

The MFDA noted that it has previously issued alerts regarding contaminated food and pharmaceutical imports into the Maldives.