Diarrhea, vomiting reported despite FDA saying no adverse events in infant formula recall

January 14, 2026 – 3:17 PM

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Some parents questioned the statement of the

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Philippines

concerning the recall of certain infant formula products.

The health regulatory agency said on Monday, January 12, that it is “actively overseeing and validating the voluntary recall” initiated by

Nestlé Philippines

involving specific batches of Nankid Optipro and Nan Optipro.

It added that it is conducting an ongoing investigation to determine the scope of the issue and assess potential safety implications.

The agency said it is also verifying the specific affected batches, including removing recalled products from physical and online retail stores and conducting distribution checks to ensure that measures are implemented across the supply chain.

It assured the public that it will continue to do post-market surveillance, inspections, and product assessments to ensure all regulated products meet established safety and quality requirements.

“Any significant findings will be promptly disclosed in the interest of transparency and consumer protection,” the FDA Philippines said.

Complaints from parents about their children experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue appeared online in response to the FDA Philippines’ statement that it had not received any reports of illness related to the products.

“Food and Drug Administration Philippines, na-ospital ‘yung anak ko dahil diyan sa negligence ng Nestlé NANKID Philippines. Ang findings pa ay Gastroenteritis!!! Buhay ng mga babies ang pinaguusapan dito!!! Ang mahal mahal na nga ng gatas, tapos ‘yun pa ‘yung magiging reason kung ba’t sila mapapahamak???” a

Pinoy

wrote.

“Ni walang nagreresponse sa Nestle or Nankid na page at email. How come walang affected na babies, e contaminated nga ‘yung milk??? SO DISAPPOINTING,” she added, sharing a picture of her child hospitalized.

wrote.

“Pamangkin ko ay isa sa naka-consume ng gatas na ‘yan. Late na inilabas ang pag-recall. May sakit ang bata. Nag-message na sa inyo at sa Nestle ang kapatid ko. Paano nangyari na wala kayo report na natanggap tungkol sa masamang epekto ng gatas na ito? Ang bata ay nanghihina, nagsusuka at nagtatae,” another

Pinoy

said.

“Daming nagtae, kasama baby ko. Amoeba, nag-antibiotic ng [one] week, tapos no adverse effects?” a different

Filipino

user

said.

“[Four] packs na ang naubos ng baby ko na nag-resulta sa pagtatae at pagsusuka. Once and for all, they should have conducted a thorough quality check before selling it. They shouldn’t be putting children’s lives at risk,” another

Pinoy

wrote.

“No adverse effects? Nagka-amoebiasis lang naman baby ko. At [five] days na-confine. Suka, tae. Kung ‘di pa napalitan ng gatas sa ospital, tuloy-tuloy malamang pagtatae at pagsuka niya. Trauma pa inabot sa nurses at doctor. Paki-check [nang] maayos FDA. Gawin [nang] maayos trabaho,” said a different

user

“My son consumed [three] packs and experienced vomiting, diarrhea, and extreme stomach pain. We are reporting the illnesses experienced by our children but we are not receiving any feedback! This is so alarming!” exclaimed another

Pinoy

“Na-consumed na sa baby ‘yung last box, [four] packs, at ‘yung nauna pa, ‘di na namin na-secure ‘yung box. Diarrhea, vomiting, paghihina. Was admitted last November, ‘di namin na-secure ‘yung box at ‘yung ngayon, same pa rin, Nan Optipro, rashes malala sa baby at pagtatae,” a

user

wrote.

‘Voluntary recall’

On January 9,

Nestlé Nankid Philippines

It provided no further details but assured the public that “only a small number of batches in the Philippines” are affected.

“Thank you for your patience and understanding, we are committed to assisting every parent and caregiver throughout this process,” it said on January 12.

Meanwhile, Sen.

Sherwin Gatchalian

urged

the FDA Philippines to investigate the product recall, saying that authorities should determine what measures are needed to prevent similar incidents in the future.

He emphasized that clarity and accountability were essential, stressing the need to understand both the cause of the issue and the safeguards in place.

Gatchalian also said that Nestlé Philippines should cooperate in future inquiries and address the concerns of affected consumers.