Nestle Infant Formula Recall Highlights Gaps in Russia's Imported Baby Food Control System

According to Rosselkhoznadzor, infant milk formulas and other baby foods are not subject to the agency's control when imported into Russia.

"These milk formulas, like other baby foods, are not controlled by Rosselkhoznadzor when imported into Russia. Therefore, the manufacturer does not undergo inspection for compliance with Russian and EAEU requirements, and no laboratory monitoring by Rosselkhoznadzor is carried out on the imported milk products, despite the fact that raw materials for these milk formulas include animal products," the service commented.

Import Suspension of Certain Products

Amid the international recall, the import of certain batches of dry instant milk, fermented milk, lactose-free formulas, and amino acid dietary therapeutic mixtures under the brands has been suspended in Russia:

NAN 1 OPTIPRO, NAN 2 OPTIPRO, NAN Supreme, NAN EXPERPRO, NAN Lactose-Free, PreNAN, Nestogen Comfort, Alfare Amino.

The affected batches have production dates fr om April 15, 2025, to November 27, 2025. The reason is the potential presence of cereulide, which was found in raw materials from an external supplier (vegetable oils).

Consumer Risks and Regulatory Questions

Cereulide is a toxin that can cause acute reactions. Possible symptoms from consuming products with high levels of the substance include vomiting and diarrhea, occurring within the first six hours.

Experts note that the incident strengthens arguments for expanding laboratory monitoring of baby food, especially in categories wh ere animal-derived raw materials are present. An additional factor of concern is that this product is not included in the list of goods requiring mandatory identification marking in Russia, reducing transparency in circulation and complicating market-level control.