Sales of certain batches of NAN baby formula are being suspended in Tajikistan due to a potential safety concern, according to Tajero LLC, the official importer of Nestlé products in the country.
The measure is part of a global voluntary recall of a limited number of batches and is being carried out as a precaution in coordination with authorized government agencies.
“The issue concerns a potential risk of the toxin cereulide being present in one of the ingredients—arachidonic acid. Despite the very small amount of this ingredient and the absence of regulatory limits for cereulide in food products under Tajik law, the recall is being conducted as a preventive measure in the interest of consumer safety,” the company told Asia-Plus.
Products affected
The recall applies only to specific batches of powdered milk formulas, fermented milk formulas, and specialized baby food under the following names:
· NAN 1 OPTIPRO — batches: 51490346AA, 51810346AA, 51910346AA, 52180346AC, 51510346AB, 52190346BA, 52200346BA
· NAN 2 OPTIPRO — batches: 51240017C1, 51240017C2, 51420017C6, 51570017C1, 52800017C2, 52940017C3, 52950017C1, 53130017C1, 53140017C1, 51550017A1, 52920017A1, 53130017A1, 5200167811, 5200167821, 5240167821
· NAN Lactose-Free — batch: 51400346AA
· PreNAN — batch: 52560346AA
· NAN SUPREME 0–12 — batch: 52790742C1
· NAN Fermented Milk — batches: 51220017A2, 51230017A1
Tajero emphasized that the recall does not affect other batches or any other Nestlé baby food products available in Tajikistan.
According to the importer, the affected batches are already being withdrawn from wholesalers and retail outlets. Consumers who have purchased products from the listed batches are advised to stop using them and return them to the place of purchase.
Tajikstandard has also announced a ban on the sale and use of the specified batches following a request from the importer.
Similar voluntary recalls have previously been announced by regulators and Nestlé representatives in several countries, including EU member states, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. In early December 2025, Nestlé warned of the possible presence of cereulide in certain batches of baby food.
What is cereulide?
Cereulide is a toxin produced by certain strains of the bacterium Bacillus cereus. It is heat-resistant and is not destroyed by boiling. Exposure can cause rapid onset of food poisoning symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. Infants with underdeveloped immune systems are particularly vulnerable.
Arachidonic acid is an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid naturally found in breast milk. Nestlé adds it to infant formulas to more closely replicate the natural composition of breast milk and support balanced infant nutrition.
