Anvisa Recalls Contaminated Panettone and Bans Nestlé Infant Formulas in 2024 Due to Safety Concerns
- Why Did Anvisa Recall Panettone in 2024?
- What Other Products Were Affected?
- Why Did Nestlé’s Infant Formulas Get Banned?
- What Should Consumers Do Immediately?
- How Common Are Food Recalls in Brazil?
- Expert Insights on Food Safety
- Industry Reactions and Market Impact
- Consumer Rights and Compensation
- Looking Ahead: Regulatory Changes
- FAQ: Your Questions Answered
In a rare MOVE outside the holiday season, Brazil’s National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) has ordered the immediate recall of four batches of panettone after discovering mold contamination. The agency also banned several Nestlé infant formulas due to potential toxin exposure. Here’s what consumers need to know about these urgent food safety alerts.
Why Did Anvisa Recall Panettone in 2024?
Anvisa’s investigation revealed visible fungal growth on products manufactured by D’Viez Indústria e Comércio de Chocolates Finos. The affected batches (lot 251027, expiring February 27, 2026) include:
- Mini Panettone with Chocolate Chips (140g)
- Traditional Truffle Panettone with "Cat Tongue" Shaped Chocolates (700g)
- Traditional Truffle Panettone with Chocolate Chips (700g)
- Traditional Truffle Panettone with Fruits (700g)
The company claims to have voluntarily initiated the recall process before Anvisa’s intervention. Interestingly, this marks the first major panettone recall in Brazil outside traditional Christmas seasons.
What Other Products Were Affected?
Anvisa’s crackdown extended beyond seasonal treats. The agency completely banned all products from Coguvita II Alimentos – including energy bars, granolas, and coffee capsules – for using unapproved functional ingredients:
- Lion’s Mane mushroom (marketed for cognitive benefits)
- Cordyceps mushroom (promoted for immune support)
"These claims lacked scientific validation," stated an Anvisa spokesperson. "Brazilian regulations require pre-approved health claims before marketing."
Why Did Nestlé’s Infant Formulas Get Banned?
The agency flagged potential cereulide contamination – a toxin produced by Bacillus cereus bacteria – in these Nestlé products:
- Nestogeno
- Nan Supreme Pro
- Nanlac Supreme Pro
- Nanlac Comfor
- Nan Sensitive
- Alfamino
Consumption risks include persistent vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Nestlé expanded its global recall to Brazil on January 7 after initially pulling products from 25 European countries.
What Should Consumers Do Immediately?
Anvisa recommends:
- Check pantry for affected products (lot numbers available on agency website)
- Discontinue use immediately
- Contact manufacturers for refunds
- Monitor for symptoms if already consumed
Nestlé Brazil has established dedicated hotlines and online portals for returns. "We’re enhancing quality controls," their statement read, though some parents remain skeptical after similar recalls in 2022.
How Common Are Food Recalls in Brazil?
Data from Anvisa shows:
| Year | Major Recalls | Top Categories |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 37 | Dairy, Baby Food |
| 2023 | 42 | Meat, Chocolate |
| 2024* | 6 (as of Jan) | Bakery, Infant Formula |
*Partial year data | Source: Anvisa Quarterly Reports
Expert Insights on Food Safety
Dr. Luisa Mendes, food microbiologist at USP, explains: "Mold growth in panettone suggests storage issues, while cereulide forms when bacteria multiply in nutrient-rich environments like formula." She emphasizes that proper refrigeration could prevent many contamination cases.
Industry Reactions and Market Impact
Brazil’s Bakery Association downplayed concerns: "This represents less than 0.1% of seasonal production." However, Nestlé shares dipped 1.2% on B3 following the announcement. Analysts note this compounds existing challenges from 2023’s supply chain disruptions.
Consumer Rights and Compensation
Brazilian law mandates full refunds plus 30% penalty for recalled items. "Document everything," advises consumer rights lawyer Carlos Albuquerque. "Even the gas money spent returning products is reimbursable."
Looking Ahead: Regulatory Changes
Anvisa plans stricter monitoring of functional food claims in 2024. "The wellness trend can’t override safety protocols," said agency head Ana Maria Malik. New labeling requirements for exotic ingredients will take effect Q2 2024.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
How do I check if my panettone is recalled?
The affected batch (251027) is printed NEAR the barcode. When in doubt, scan the QR code on Anvisa’s website.
Are store credits acceptable instead of refunds?
No. Brazilian Consumer Code Article 18 guarantees cash reimbursement for recalled goods.
Can I still buy other D’Viez products?
Yes. Only the specified lot was contaminated. Their 2025 holiday collection remains SAFE for consumption.
