1. Quick summary: what happened and why parents should know
On 5 January 2026 authorities in Germany coordinated a precautionary recall of certain batches of infant formula and specialized baby nutrition. The recall was initiated because an ingredient from a supplier may contain cereulid, a heat‑stable toxin produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus. This is a safety measure taken to protect infants, who are especially sensitive to such contaminants.
The recall affects a range of standard and specialized infant formulas and samples. No confirmed illnesses have been reported so far; the action is preventive. Still, parents are advised to check packages carefully and follow the guidance below to keep babies safe.
2. Which products are affected
The affected products include several BEBA and ALFAMINO formula types and formats. Important details such as batch number (charged number) and the best before date (MHD) are printed on the bottom of the packaging. Below are examples of affected items and typical MHD ranges reported by authorities.
| Product (examples) | Packaging / Size | MHD or batch examples |
|---|---|---|
| BEBA Pre | 800 g can | MHD 04.-06.2027 |
| BEBA Pre | 1200 g carton | MHD 10.2026–03.2027 |
| BEBA Pre | 200 ml Tetra Pak / bottle | MHD from 10.2026 |
| BEBA 1 | 800 g can | MHD 04.-06.2027 |
| BEBA expert HA Pre / 1 | 550 g carton / 200 ml bottle | MHD 11.2026–05.2027; bottle example 17.11.2026 |
| BEBA supreme (Pre / 1 / 2 / 3) | 800 g cans and bottles | MHD up to 10.2027 |
| BEBA Comfort+ (specialized) | 500 g, sample sachets | MHD 11.2026–04.2027; samples MHD 08./10.2026 |
| BEBA AR, Preterm formula stage 2 | 90 ml | MHD 29.10.2026 |
| ALFAMINO (including junior) | 400 g can | MHD 04.-11.2027; example batch 51140017Y1; junior MHD 30.06.2027 |
| Note: Full and exact lists of affected batch numbers and MHDs are published by the manufacturer and product safety pages; always check the bottom of the package for batch number and MHD before use. | ||
3. What parents should do right now
If you have any of the products listed or packs matching affected batch numbers or MHDs, follow these simple steps to protect your baby and avoid unnecessary risk.
- Stop using the product immediately. Do not feed it to your infant.
- Check the bottom of the package for the batch number (charged number) and the MHD (best before date).
- Do not try to make the product safe by heating or boiling; the toxin cereulid is heat‑stable and is not reliably destroyed by normal heating.
- Return unused product to the store where you bought it; stores will refund the purchase price even without a receipt.
- If you are unsure whether your batch is affected, call the manufacturer’s hotline for guidance. The recall hotline is available for parents to ask questions.
- Contact your pediatrician promptly if your baby shows worrying symptoms or if you have health concerns.
4. Health risks, symptoms and why heat isn’t a fix
Cereulid is a toxin produced by some strains of Bacillus cereus. It acts as an ionophore that can disrupt cell membranes and often triggers nausea and vomiting rapidly—sometimes within 30 minutes of ingestion. For most people symptoms subside, but infants are more vulnerable and even small amounts can be problematic.
- Sudden vomiting or repeated vomiting
- Nausea and general unsettledness
- Signs of dehydration (fewer wet nappies, dry mouth, lethargy)
Common symptoms to watch for
See a doctor or contact emergency services if your baby has persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration, fever, or appears unusually drowsy or unresponsive. Consumer protection groups emphasize: infants are particularly sensitive—do not continue feeding suspected products and consult a pediatrician if in doubt.
When to seek medical help
Importantly: heating or boiling the product does not reliably remove cereulid. Authorities stress that ‘heat does not reliably help’—so trying to sterilize affected formula at home is not an effective or safe solution.
5. Wider recall and cross‑border notes
This recall was coordinated with authorities in multiple countries. Similar batches have been recalled in Austria, the Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland and Belgium. Some examples reported outside Germany include specific small formats and batches such as BEBA Supreme Pre 70 ml (example batch L53090742C1, MHD 11/2026) and ALFAMINO packs in the Netherlands (example MHD 17.06.2027).
The message is consistent across borders: check your pack, do not feed affected products, return them for a refund, and consult health professionals if your child is unwell.
6. Help, information and support
For parents who need help identifying whether a product is affected, the manufacturer has set up a hotline staffed during extended hours. You can use that hotline to ask about batch numbers and to get advice. Retailers will accept returns and provide refunds without requiring a purchase receipt.
If you have health concerns, contact your pediatrician or local health services. Consumer protection organizations advise caution and prevention: ‘Check the pack, do not feed affected products, and return them’—this is intended to prevent harm while avoiding unnecessary panic.
