DEVELOPING & URGENT RECALL
By Mpho Moloi
PRETORIA –
Parents and caregivers across South Africa, Namibia, and Eswatini are being urged to check their cupboards right away after the National Consumer Commission announced a voluntary recall of NAN Special Pro HA Infant Formula due to fears it may contain a harmful toxin that could make babies very sick.
The affected product, an 800g tin meant for babies from birth to 12 months at risk of cow’s milk protein allergy, comes from a batch made in June 2025 and has an expiry date of 15 December 2026, with officials stressing that no one should use it even if it looks fine.
This precautionary step follows tests showing a possible presence of Cereulide, a toxin from the bacteria Bacillus cereus, which can cause quick and severe vomiting or diarrhoea in little ones.
While no illnesses have been linked to this batch yet, the recall aims to keep families safe, especially as the formula has a long shelf life of about 18 months and was sold through big shops and distributors in the three countries.
For many moms and dads relying on this special milk to feed their allergic babies, the news brings worry but also relief that action is being taken fast.
Details of the Recalled Product
The recall targets NAN Special Pro HA 800g tins with batch number 51660742F3, produced on 15 June 2025. This hypoallergenic formula is designed for infants who might react badly to regular cow’s milk, helping prevent allergies with broken-down proteins that are easier to digest.
It was widely available at major retailers, pharmacies, and online stores in South Africa, Namibia, and Eswatini, making it a go-to choice for parents dealing with feeding challenges.
The problem came to light during routine safety checks by the manufacturer, who spotted the risk of Bacillus cereus contamination.
This bacteria can sneak into food during production if not handled just right, and once there, it produces Cereulide, a tough toxin that sticks around even after heating or cooking.
The batch was pulled as a safety measure, part of a bigger global recall affecting similar products in over 25 countries, mostly in Europe, where other formulas like SMA and BEBA faced the same issue.
If you have this tin at home, look for the batch code on the bottom or side – do not open or use it. The recall covers all units from this production run, no matter where you bought them.
Officials say returning it to the store for a full refund is easy, and no proof of purchase is needed in most cases.
Health Risks from the Toxin
Cereulide is no joke, especially for tiny babies whose bodies are still growing and can’t fight off toxins well.
This heat-stable poison from Bacillus cereus bacteria causes what doctors call emetic syndrome, leading to sudden vomiting that starts 1 to 5 hours after eating tainted food.
In little ones, it can quickly lead to dehydration, tummy pain, and weakness, turning a normal day into a scary hospital visit.
For infants under 12 months, even a small amount can be dangerous because their immune systems are weak and they rely fully on formula for nutrition.
Symptoms might include non-stop throwing up, diarrhoea, fever, and in bad cases, seizures or worse if not treated fast.
Parents should watch for these signs if their baby has had the formula recently and rush to a doctor or clinic right away. Quick care with fluids and rest usually helps, but prevention is best by avoiding the product altogether.
Bacillus cereus is common in soil and food like rice or pasta, but in baby formula, strict rules usually keep it out. When it slips through, recalls like this happen to stop any harm.
Health experts say while most people recover fine, babies, the elderly, and those with weak health face higher risks, making this recall a must to protect the most vulnerable.
What Parents Should Do Next
If you spot the affected batch in your home, stop using it straight away and take it back to where you bought it for a refund or swap. Shops are ready for this, and many have signs up or staff trained to help.
Throw away any opened tins safely, and clean feeding bottles well to avoid any leftover traces.
For peace of mind, chat with your baby’s doctor about switching to a safe alternative formula.
There are other hypoallergenic options out there that work just as well without the risk. If your little one shows any odd symptoms after having the milk, get medical help fast – better safe than sorry.
The National Consumer Commission has set up hotlines for questions: call 012 428 7000 or email complaints@nccsa.org.za.
They are working with the maker to track all recalled tins and make sure none stay on shelves. In Namibia and Eswatini, local consumer bodies are doing the same, with alerts out through shops and media to reach everyone.
Broader Recall and Global Context
This is part of a worldwide pull-back by the manufacturer, affecting batches in Europe and beyond where tests showed the same toxin risk.
In places like the UK and Ireland, similar formulas got recalled last month, with no reported sicknesses but quick action to keep babies safe. The company says it is checking production lines and adding extra tests to stop this from happening again.
In South Africa, food safety rules under the Consumer Protection Act make recalls like this mandatory when risks pop up. The NCC watches these closely, fining companies if they drag their feet.
Past recalls, like one for peanut butter in 2023 over aflatoxin, show how fast alerts can protect public health, saving lives by getting bad products off shelves.
Lessons for Parents and the Industry
This scare reminds moms and dads to always check batch numbers and expiry dates on baby food, and sign up for recall alerts from shops or government sites. Storing formula in cool, dry spots helps too, as heat can boost bacteria growth.
For the industry, it pushes for tighter checks during making and packing to catch issues early. With South Africa seeing more imported goods, strong rules and quick tests are key to keeping trust high.
Parents groups are calling for clearer labels on risks and faster refunds in recalls, making sure families do not suffer extra stress.
As the recall rolls out, affected parents can take heart that quick steps are keeping their babies safe. With no illnesses linked yet, this could stay a close call, but it shows why vigilance matters in feeding our little ones.
Looking Ahead: Safe Feeding and Future Safeguards
The manufacturer has promised full refunds and is working on safer batches to hit shelves soon. Health officials will keep watch for any related sicknesses, but with the quick alert, risks stay low.
For families switching formulas, doctors can guide on the best picks to keep nutrition on track.
This event could lead to better laws on baby food safety, like mandatory toxin tests or faster recall systems. As South Africa grows its consumer protections, stories like this push for a world where parents worry less about what’s in the tin and more about their baby’s smiles.
If you have the product, act now – safety first always.
URGENT RECALL: NAN Special Pro HA Infant Formula Pulled Over Safety Risk; Recalled in SA, Namibia and Eswatini, Baby Formula Over Potential Toxic Contamination
PRETORIA – Parents and caregivers in South Africa, Namibia, and Eswatini are being told to stop using a specific batch of NAN Special Pro HA Infant Formula right away after tests showed it might contain a harmful toxin that could make babies sick with vomiting or diarrhoea.
The National Consumer Commission announced the voluntary recall on 7 January 2026 for the 800g tins with batch number 51660742F3, made on 15 June 2025 and set to expire on 15 December 2026, urging everyone to return them for a full refund to avoid any health scares.
This step comes as a precaution after finding possible traces of Cereulide, a tough toxin from the bacteria Bacillus cereus, during routine checks.
While no one has fallen ill from this batch yet, the recall aims to keep little ones safe, especially since the formula is for babies from birth to 12 months who might be at risk of cow’s milk protein allergy.
For many families relying on this special milk to feed their sensitive tots, the news brings a mix of worry and relief that quick action is being taken to pull it from shelves.
Details of the Recalled Product and How It Happened
The affected item is the NAN Special Pro HA 800g tin, a hypoallergenic formula designed to help prevent allergies in babies by using broken-down proteins that are gentler on tiny tummies.
It was sold widely through big shops, pharmacies, and distributors in South Africa, Namibia, and Eswatini, making it easy for parents to pick up but now a concern for those who bought it.
The problem cropped up when safety tests spotted the risk of Bacillus cereus sneaking in during production.
This common bacteria from soil or food can produce Cereulide if conditions allow, and once made, the toxin sticks around even if you heat the formula.
With a shelf life of about 18 months, the batch could still be in homes or stores, so checking the bottom or side of the tin for the code 51660742F3 is key.
If it matches, do not mix or feed it to your baby – take it back to the store for a refund, no receipt needed in most cases.
This recall is part of a bigger global pull-back affecting similar products in over 25 countries, mostly in Europe, where batches of formulas like SMA and BEBA faced the same issue.
The maker is working with health bodies worldwide to trace and remove all risky tins, showing how food safety crosses borders in today’s world.
Health Risks for Babies and What to Watch For
Cereulide is a sneaky toxin that does not get destroyed by boiling or mixing, making it a real worry for infant formula. In babies, it can cause quick vomiting that starts 1 to 5 hours after feeding, leading to dehydration, tummy cramps, and weakness if not treated fast.
Little ones under 12 months are hit hardest because their bodies lose fluids quickly, and severe cases could need hospital care with drips to rehydrate.
Symptoms to spot include non-stop throwing up, loose stools, fever, or unusual fussiness after a feed. If your baby shows these after having the formula, head to a doctor or clinic straight away – early help can make all the difference.
While most kids bounce back with rest and fluids, the risk is higher for those with weak immune systems or allergies, which is why this formula is for at-risk babies in the first place.
Bacillus cereus pops up in foods like rice or dairy if not handled right, but strict rules usually keep it out of baby products. When it slips through, recalls like this happen to stop any harm, and health experts say acting fast keeps the danger low.
What Parents and Caregivers Should Do Now
If you have the recalled tin, stop using it at once and return it to where you bought it for a full refund or swap. Shops are geared up for this, with staff ready to help and signs in stores to guide you.
Throw away any opened or mixed formula safely, and wash bottles or scoops well to clear any traces.
Talk to your baby’s doctor about safe switches – there are other allergy-friendly formulas that work just as well without the risk. Keep an eye on your little one for any odd signs in the next few days, even if they seem fine now.
For questions, reach out to consumer hotlines or the maker’s helpline – in South Africa, call the National Consumer Commission at 012 428 7000 or email complaints@nccsa.org.za.
In Namibia and Eswatini, local watchdogs are spreading the word through shops and alerts, making sure everyone knows. If you spot the batch still on sale, report it to help get it off shelves fast.
Global Context and Past Recalls
This is not the first time baby formulas have faced pulls for safety – in 2022, a big US recall over bacterial contamination led to shortages and changes in how companies test products.
Globally, over 25 countries have joined this recall for similar formulas, with no reported sicknesses but quick moves to protect kids. It shows how linked food chains are, with one batch issue rippling worldwide.
In South Africa, rules under the Consumer Protection Act make sure recalls happen fast when risks show up, with fines for slow companies.
Past cases, like a 2023 peanut butter pull for high aflatoxin levels, taught lessons on better labelling and tracking, helping keep trust in baby foods high.
Lessons for Families and the Industry
This scare reminds parents to always read labels, check batch codes, and sign up for recall alerts from shops or government sites. Storing formula in cool, dry spots and using it before expiry helps too, cutting risks from bacteria growth.
For makers, it pushes for even tighter checks during production, like more toxin tests and clean supply chains.
Health groups call for clearer warnings on packs and faster refunds in recalls, easing stress on families. As South Africa strengthens its food safety laws, events like this drive home the need for vigilance to keep our tiniest ones safe.
With no illnesses tied to this batch yet, quick action could keep it that way. For affected parents, know help is out there – from refunds to doctor advice – to get through this bump without harm.
Looking Ahead: Safer Baby Foods and Quick Responses
The maker has vowed to review processes and add extra safety steps for future batches. Health officials will monitor for any linked health issues, but with the fast alert, chances stay low.
For families switching, experts say sticking to trusted brands with good track records helps, and always chat with a paediatrician for the best fit.
This recall could spark better global standards for infant foods, like shared testing data across countries. As parents keep watch, the focus stays on what matters most – healthy, happy babies growing strong.
If you have questions, reach out – staying informed keeps everyone safe.
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