Nestlé Recalls Milo Snack Bars in Australia, Singapore, and New Zealand Following Rubber Contamination
Nestlé is conducting a recall of select batches of its Milo Original Snack Bars and Milo Dipped Snack Bars in Australia, Singapore, and New Zealand after the discovery of small pieces of black rubber within the products. The recall, initiated following an equipment failure at a contract manufacturing facility, poses a potential choking hazard to consumers.
The issue originated with a contract manufacturer experiencing an equipment malfunction, leading to the dislodgement of rubber fragments during the production process. According to a statement released by Nestlé Australia on , the company acted swiftly to identify and remove potentially affected products from the market.
Scope of the Recall
The recall encompasses a range of product sizes and best-before dates. In Australia, the affected products include the Milo Dipped Snack Bars 270g Box, 960g Box & 160g Box and MILO Original Snack Bars 210g Box. The best-before date for all recalled products is the end of August 2026. Specific batch numbers included in the recall are 5316TD15, 5317TD15, 5318TD15, 5321TD15, 5322TD15, 5323TD15, and 5324TD15.
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has directed Nestlé Singapore to recall two batches of Milo snack bars – the Original and Dipped versions – due to the potential presence of rubber. The SFA’s action followed the voluntary recall initiated by Nestlé in Australia. The affected products in Singapore are Nestle Milo Snack Bar (Original), batch 5324TD15 (best before August 31, 2026) and Nestle Milo Snack Bar (Dipped), batch 5322TD15 (best before August 31, 2026).
New Zealand Food Safety has also issued a recall for imported Nestlé-brand Milo Dipped Snack Bars. The batch numbers being recalled are 5316, 5317, and 5318 TD15, all with a best-before date of August 2026. Jenny Bishop, acting deputy director-general of NZ Food Safety, stated that the rubber fragments could present a choking risk.
Consumer Guidance and Financial Implications
Consumers who have purchased the recalled Milo snack bars are advised not to consume them. Retailers across Australia – including ALDI, Coles, Woolworths, and independent retailers like IGA – are cooperating with the recall, and consumers are being urged to return the products to the point of purchase for a full refund. In Singapore, consumers are advised to contact their point of purchase for inquiries. New Zealand consumers can either return the product for a refund or dispose of it.
While the financial impact of the recall on Nestlé is not currently quantified, We see expected to be relatively contained. The recall is limited to specific batches and geographies, and Milo represents a portion of Nestlé’s broader confectionery portfolio. However, the incident does carry reputational risk for the company, particularly given the product’s popularity as a school snack. Any sustained negative publicity could potentially impact sales in the short to medium term.
Supply Chain Considerations
The root cause of the contamination – an equipment failure at a contract manufacturer – highlights the complexities of modern food supply chains. Nestlé relies on a network of third-party manufacturers to produce a significant portion of its products, and maintaining consistent quality control across these facilities is a critical challenge. The company will likely review its oversight procedures for contract manufacturers to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The incident also underscores the importance of robust quality assurance protocols and traceability systems within the food industry. The ability to quickly identify and isolate affected batches is essential for minimizing the impact of product recalls and protecting consumer safety. The swift action taken by Nestlé and the respective food safety agencies in Australia, Singapore, and New Zealand demonstrates the effectiveness of these systems.
Broader Industry Implications
This recall serves as a reminder to the broader food and beverage industry of the potential vulnerabilities within complex supply chains. Companies are increasingly reliant on outsourcing production to reduce costs and increase efficiency, but this can also introduce risks related to quality control and food safety. The incident is likely to prompt a renewed focus on supplier audits, quality management systems, and traceability technologies across the industry.
The SFA in Singapore emphasized that under the Sale of Food Act, food known to be unsafe for consumption should not be sold. This underscores the regulatory scrutiny applied to food safety standards and the potential penalties for non-compliance. The agency’s proactive response, following the Australian recall, demonstrates a commitment to protecting public health.
