Toxic formula alert: Recalled baby milk exported to Namibia

A Baby formula which has been recalled from shelves in South Africa over potential toxin contamination may also have been exported to Namibia.

The recall affects Aptamil Nutribiotik 2 (800g) and Aptajunior Nutribiotik 3 (800g) after the manufacturer warned that a raw material used during production may contain traces of cereulide, a toxin that could cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps when consumed in large quantities.

South Africa’s National Consumer Commission (NCC) has announced the product safety recall involving certain batches of infant and toddler formula manufactured by Nutricia Southern Africa.

“The affected products were sold at Dis-Chem and Clicks and distributed nationally by United Pharmaceutical since August 2025.

According to the manufacturer, these products were also exported to Botswana and Namibia,” reads the consumer watchdog’s statement.

However, Ministry of Health and Social Services spokesperson Walters Kamaya says the ministry has not received an official notification about the recall.

“We have not received any official notice regarding the recall or any directive requesting the removal of the product from the Namibian market,” he says.

The affected batches include Aptamil Nutribiotik 2 with batch numbers 20260911 and 20261209, and Aptajunior Nutribiotik 3 with batch number 20261209 – all with expiry dates in September and December.

The situation has caused concern among the parents of newborn babies, particularly those who rely on infant formula.

Several mothers in Windhoek yesterday told The Namibian they were worried about the safety of the products they are feeding their babies.

“I use Aptamil for my two-month-old baby, and hearing that it might be contaminated is very scary,” said Ndeshihafela Hauwanga, a new mother in Windhoek.

“You always trust that products meant for babies are safe. Now I’m checking every tin at home. If nothing is done immediately, I’m afraid many babies will be in danger,” she said.

Eben-Dean Broekstein, the mother of a nine-month-old baby boy, said the growing number of product recalls has left parents uncertain about which formula brands are safe.

Broekstein said her baby currently receives both breast milk and formula.

“My fear is when will my baby’s product also be recalled? And what should our babies use to keep them safe from the symptoms other babies are getting from the recalled products?” she asked.

Broekstein said new formula brands appear on store shelves frequently, leaving parents unsure about trying them.

“Every month you see a new brand on the shelf and you ask yourself: Should we try it or should we not?” she said. She also raised concern about the rising cost of infant formula.

“If these products become the only options left because others are recalled, their prices will just keep increasing.

It’s difficult for parents to keep up with these price increases,” she said.

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