Tinotenda Hove – The Ministry of Health and Child Care has placed health authorities across the country on high alert following a regional recall of a Nestlé infant formula linked to a specific batch circulating in parts of Southern Africa.

In a letter dated January 9, 2026, addressed to all Provincial Medical Directors and City Health Directors, Permanent Secretary Dr Aspect Maunganidze said Nestlé had announced a recall of NAN Special Pro HA 0–12 (800g) in selected countries, with one batch identified as affected within the East and Southern Africa region.

“Nestlé has announced a product recall of NAN Special Pro HA 0–12 800g in certain countries,” Dr Maunganidze said.

“Based on the available traceability systems, the only product affected in the East and Southern Africa region is one batch of speciality infant formula, currently manufactured in Germany.”

He explained that the affected batch was distributed to South Africa, Eswatini and Namibia, and stressed that there is no official confirmation that the product entered the Zimbabwean market.

However, he said authorities must remain vigilant due to the possibility of cross-border movement of goods.

The recalled product has been identified as Batch Number 51660742F3, manufactured on June 15, 2025, with a best-before date of December 15, 2026, and an 18-month shelf life.
Dr Maunganidze directed health officials, including officers stationed at ports of entry, to intensify surveillance and take immediate action if the product is detected.

“You are advised to ensure that your officers on the ground and ports of entry are on the look-out for the named products, take them off the shelves, and record the quantities and descriptions of the affected products before they are returned to the manufacturer,” he said.

He added that the precautionary measures are aimed at safeguarding infant health and preventing the affected product from reaching consumers in Zimbabwe.

Health inspectors have been instructed to closely monitor pharmacies, retail outlets and health facilities, and to report any findings through established reporting channels. Dr Maunganidze said the Ministry of Health and Child Care will continue engaging relevant stakeholders as it monitors developments surrounding the recall.