A few days after the withdrawal of some batches of products from the Nan, Nidina and PreNan lines in Italy (and others in the rest of Europe), Nestlé has communicated the extension of the food alert also to Alfamino milk, specifically formulated for infants with allergies to cow’s milk and multiple food allergies.
The alert concerns the 400 gram format of Alfamino and involves two specific batches:
The product has been marketed in several European countries and is produced by Nestlé Suisse SA at its plant in Konolfingen, Switzerland.
What makes this recall particularly delicate is the very nature of the product. Alfamino is a hypoallergenic formula intended for infants and young children who suffer from cow’s milk protein allergy, multiple food allergies or severe food intolerances.
These are therefore children who are already fragile from an immune and nutritional point of view, for whom finding an adequate food alternative can be complex.
The reasons for the recall
The reason for the withdrawal remains unchanged compared to the maxi-recall announced in recent days: the possible presence of cereulide, the toxin produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus. This substance can cause gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea and vomiting, and is particularly insidious because it resists heat.
The issue was identified in an ingredient supplied by an external partner of Nestlé, which led the company to progressively widen the scope of the recall as new details emerged on supplies potentially affected by the contamination. This latest retreat is in fact part of a sequence of events that has been going on for weeks.
What parents should do
For those who use Alfamino, the recommendations are clear:
The Nestlé Italia customer service toll-free number – 800 434 434 – remains active from 8am to 10pm, every day.
The problem of limited alternatives
Unlike standard formula milks, for which there are numerous alternatives on the market, hypoallergenic formulas like Alfamino represent a narrower niche. Children allergic to cow’s milk proteins or with multiple allergies need highly specialized products, often prescribed by the pediatrician or allergist.
This means that families affected by the recall may find it difficult to immediately find an equivalent replacement, especially if the product was purchased from a pharmacy on prescription. It is therefore essential not to act independently but to immediately consult your doctor to identify the most appropriate nutritional solution.
