An urgent recall alert has been issued for two specific types of Alula baby formula across Australia, following serious concerns that the products may contain a harmful bacterial toxin. The recall affects batches of Alula Gold Reflux infant formula and Alula Colic & Constipation infant formula, prompting immediate action from health authorities and retailers nationwide.
Affected Products and Batch Details
Sanulac Nutritionals Australia Pty Ltd, the manufacturer, has identified the precise batches involved in this safety recall. Consumers are urged to check their purchases immediately.
Alula Gold Reflux Infant Formula
The 900-gram tin designed for infants aged 0 to 12 months is under recall if it bears the use-by date of 17 March 2027 and the batch number 8000003387. This product has been widely distributed through major supermarket chains and independent retailers.
Alula Colic & Constipation Infant Formula
The 850-gram tin for the same age group is also recalled if it carries the use-by date of 17 March 2027 and batch number 8000003407. Authorities emphasise that no other Alula batches or products are affected by this specific safety action.
Health Risks and Symptoms
The recall stems from potential contamination with cereulide, a toxin produced by the Bacillus cereus microorganism. This substance can cause significant gastrointestinal distress in infants.
Common symptoms include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Unusual lethargy or fatigue
Health officials note that symptoms typically manifest between 30 minutes and six hours after exposure, with most cases resolving within 24 hours. Despite the potential risks, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) confirms there have been no reported illnesses linked to these products in Australia to date.
Official Statements and International Context
Acting CEO Christel Leemhuis of FSANZ explained that this domestic recall follows international action by Lactalis, the parent company. The potential presence of cereulide has been traced to a specific ingredient used in the Alula products, mirroring concerns that prompted a recent recall of specialist infant formulas overseas.
"Cereulide can cause gastrointestinal illness but there have been no reports of associated illness in Australia," Leemhuis stated. "Other formula products not affected by the recall are available from retailers, and parents and carers can contact their healthcare provider or pharmacist to discuss what's best for their baby."
Distribution and Consumer Action
The recalled products have been sold nationally through multiple channels, including:
- Major supermarkets Coles and Woolworths
- Pharmacies across Australia
- Online platforms including Amazon
- Independent retailers such as IGA, Big W, and Costco
FSANZ strongly advises consumers who possess these specific batches to immediately cease using the products and return them to their place of purchase for a full refund. This precautionary measure aims to prevent any potential health incidents.
Broader Industry Context
This recall occurs just weeks after Nestle issued a similar alert for its Alfamino Infant Formula, which was also potentially contaminated with the same cereulide toxin. That product, manufactured in Switzerland for children with milk allergies or food intolerances, highlights ongoing vigilance within the infant nutrition sector.
Parents and carers concerned about their infant's health following potential exposure are advised to seek immediate medical advice. FSANZ continues to monitor the situation and coordinate with retailers to ensure all affected products are removed from circulation promptly.
