Explained: UAE Recalls More Infant Formula Products 5 Questions Answered

The UAE and other Gulf countries moved on Tuesday to recall more infant formula products amid food contamination concerns, as a recent global health scare continues to force regulators to act quickly to ensure public health.

The latest affected products were manufactured by Danone and Lactalis, following an earlier announcement by major dairy producer Nestlé that it was recalling several batches of baby formula as a voluntary precautionary measure.

So what caused that concern? And what are the products affected by the mass recall? Here are some questions on this big development answered:

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1. What is behind the recalls?

Some of the world's largest dairy companies, including Danone, Nestle, and privately-owned Lactalis, are recalling infant milk formula due to possible contamination with cereulide, a toxic substance that can cause nausea and vomiting.

The recalls were issued after infants in France who had consumed some products contracted salmonella poisoning, which can be serious for the most vulnerable.

2. What is this Cereulide?

Cereulide is a toxin made by some strains of the common bacteria Bacillus cereus, which is widespread in the environment and in raw food materials.

It forms in food when bacteria multiply, usually because cooked food was left out too long at room temperature. It is often found in rice that has been cooked and then cooled, earning the related illness the informal name of "fried rice syndrome." However, it is also found in starchy foods like pasta and potatoes, as well as dairy, seafood, and vegetables if they are handled or stored poorly.

Once cereulide is in food, normal cooking or reheating will not destroy it. The toxin is heat-stable, meaning it can survive temperatures that would usually kill bacteria.

If cooked food cools slowly or is kept warm for hours, Bacillus cereus can grow and produce cereulide. Big pots of rice or pasta, or dishes kept on a warm stove or buffet, are common risk points.

3. What are the symptoms?

People typically feel sick within 30 minutes to five hours after eating contaminated food.

The main symptoms are nausea and repeated vomiting, sometimes accompanied by stomach cramps. Most people feel better within 24 hours. Severe but rare cases can include acute liver failure.

4. Which brands/products are affected?

A recall of baby formulas worldwide over concerns of contamination has recently been widened, affecting four manufacturers so far. Companies affected by the precautionary recalls of infant milk powder over worries it could be contaminated with the toxin cereulide include three of the world's largest dairy groups, Nestle, Danone, and privately-owned Lactalis.

The products in question are as follows:

Nestle: S26 AR, NAN Comfort 1, NAN Optipro 1, NAN Supreme Pro 1, 2, and 3, Isomil Ultima 1, 2 and 3, and Alfamino

Danone: Aptamil Advance 1 POF

Lactalis: Enfastar

5. Why so many brands?

Infant formula often includes oils containing arachidonic acid (ARA) to make it resemble breast milk. Bacillus cereus spores can survive in dry ingredients used for infant formula and, under certain conditions during ingredient handling or processing, may grow and produce cereulide.

Because the toxin is heat-stable, heat treatment will not destroy it, allowing it to remain in the finished formula.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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