Three infants affected as nine batches of infant formula recalled over cereulide toxin contamination
Three infants experienced mild symptoms after consuming cereulide-tainted infant formula, prompting the recall of nine batches by the Singapore Food Agency. The products, which shared a contaminated ingredient source, made up about 5% of Singapore’s imported supply.
- Three infants developed mild symptoms likely linked to cereulide-contaminated infant formula; all have recovered.
- Nine affected batches—including two Dumex Dulac products—have been recalled, comprising around 5% of Singapore’s imported infant formula.
- SFA and CDA have stepped up surveillance, but no definitive clinical test exists for cereulide poisoning.
In response to parliamentary questions on 3 February 2026, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu confirmed that three infants had consumed infant formula products contaminated with cereulide toxin. All three experienced mild symptoms and have since made full recoveries.
The confirmation was provided in a written reply to Workers’ Party MP for Aljunied GRC, Fadli Fawzi, who asked whether any infants had consumed the affected formula and what steps were being taken to strengthen surveillance of such products.
Minister Fu stated that the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) were alerted in early January 2026 to overseas recalls involving cereulide contamination in a raw ingredient used in infant formula.
Following the alert in early January 2026, SFA began targeted testing of infant formula sold in Singapore. This led to a series of product recalls.
On 17 January, two additional products were recalled: Nestlé NAN HA1 SupremePro (800g, expiring 31 August 2027) and Dumex Dulac 1 (800g, expiring 3 September 2027). On 30 January, two more Dumex products—Dulac Stage 1 and Stage 2 (both 800g, expiring 5 September 2027)—were also recalled after testing positive for cereulide.
In total, nine imported batches have been recalled since 8 January. According to SFA and CDA, these make up about 5% of Singapore’s imported infant formula supply.
Cereulide is a toxin produced by Bacillus cereus and is not typically present in infant formula when proper manufacturing controls are followed.
Minister Fu noted that cereulide is an uncommon contaminant, and effective manufacturing processes should prevent its occurrence. The toxin can cause symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
In a joint media release issued by SFA and CDA, the agencies stated that there is currently no definitive clinical laboratory test to confirm cereulide poisoning. Minister Fu added in her reply that the CDA is working closely with doctors and hospitals to conduct surveillance for potential cases of cereulide poisoning in children.
She also confirmed that SFA has completed testing of all infant formula products sold at major retail outlets in Singapore. The two most recent batches are the final ones to be recalled in this episode, she said. The agencies will continue joint monitoring efforts to uphold food safety standards.
Consumers have been advised by the agencies not to feed affected products to their children.
Parents whose children have consumed these products and are unwell are urged to seek medical advice. Retailers have been instructed to assist with product enquiries and withdrawals.
