MFDA Issues Warning Over Contaminated SMA Infant Formula

The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has issued a warning to pharmacies across the country after contaminated batches of Nestlé’s SMA‑brand infant formula were found to contain cereulide, a toxin associated with food poisoning.

Laboratory tests conducted by the MFDA detected cereulide in several batches of SMA infant formula and follow‑on formula. Nestlé has withdrawn the affected products from the market as a precautionary measure. Similar recalls have been carried out internationally after the toxin was identified in raw materials used in SMA and other Nestlé infant nutrition products.

Cereulide is a heat‑stable toxin produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus. Consumption of contaminated products can cause rapid‑onset symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps, according to food safety authorities abroad.

The MFDA identified the contaminated products as including SMA items with expiry dates in April, May, June, July, October, and November 2026. These include SMA Advance First Infant Milk 800g, SMA Advance Follow‑on Milk 800g, SMA Anti‑Reflux 800g, SMA Alfamino 400g, SMA First Infant Milk in 800g, 400g, and 1.2kg packs, SMA Little Steps First Infant Milk 800g, SMA Comfort 800g, SMA First Infant Milk in 200ml and 70ml packs, and SMA Lactose Free 400g.

International food safety authorities have advised that cereulide contamination renders these products unsafe for infants, emphasising that the toxin is not destroyed by boiling water or standard formula preparation.

The MFDA stated that it has previously issued alerts concerning contaminated food and pharmaceutical imports into the Maldives, highlighting its continued monitoring of product safety in the country.