The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has suspended the import and sale of several batches of Nestlé infant and follow-up formula products after a toxic substance was detected in some batches, the authority has announced.

Maldives Food and Drug Authority said the contaminant identified is cereulide, a toxin produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus. The authority warned that consumption of contaminated products may cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

According to MFDA, the action follows an international alert issued by Nestlé after the manufacturer identified the potential presence of the toxin in certain batches of its infant and follow-up formula products. As a precautionary measure, MFDA said the affected products have been prohibited from import, sale and distribution in the Maldives with immediate effect.

MFDA stated that the suspension applies to selected batches of Nestlé’s SMA brand infant and follow-up formulas. The products affected include SMA Advanced First Infant Milk (800g), SMA Advanced Follow-on Milk (800g), SMA Anti-Reflux (800g), SMA Alfamino (400g), SMA First Infant Milk (400g, 800g and 1.2kg), SMA Little Steps First Infant Milk (800g), SMA Comfort (800g), SMA First Infant ready-to-feed products (200ml and 70ml), and SMA Lactose-Free (400g). 

The authority said it has published details of the prohibited products and advised importers, retailers and consumers to check stock and avoid the affected batches. MFDA also urged those seeking clarification or additional information to contact the authority directly.