Torrox, Spain – As the cold settles in over Axarquia, warm up with live music, organic cuisine, and sea views at the “Winter Warmer at Al Alba” event. On Saturday, January 10, starting at 4.30pm, entertainer Jennifer Singer performs at Al Alba Bio-Gastrobodega in Torrox Costa. The free concert offers pop, rock, Latin, and country tunes for singing and dancing, perfect for keeping us warm.

Hosted by Jennifer Singer, the event features modern and classic hits to energise the crowd. No entry fee applies, but book tables via 628 00 95 60 to your place at this popular venue.

Jennifer Singer, a Torrox-based solo artist, draws from Canadian, UK, and Spanish roots. Starting performances at age four with classical training, her repertoire spans pop, rock, country, jazz, soul, Motown, and opera. Influenced by Whitney Houston, Adele, and Dolly Parton, she performs over 100 songs like “Dancing Queen”, “Jolene”, and “Feeling Good”. Known for upclose and personal sets at venues like Ronnie Scott’s and Costa del Sol spots, she earns 10/10 ratings for high-energy events.

Al Alba Bio-Gastrobodega, at Calle Estepona, 3, Torrox, is Spain’s first bio-gastrobodega, emphasising “GastroNutrición” with probiotic-rich, antioxidant-packed dishes. The menu fuses Mediterranean, international, and Oriental flavours, catering to vegetarians, vegans, and coeliacs with organic ingredients. Enjoy 130+ wines, craft beers, ciders, and superfood cocktails for health benefits.

The venue hosts live music during “tardeo” sessions, blending food and entertainment. Rated 4.6/5 on TripAdvisor from 32 reviews, patrons praise the elaborate food, service, and ambiance. Highlights include vegetarian options, portions, and pet-friendliness.

Open daily 12pm to 11pm (until 1am Fridays/Saturdays), it’s ideal for combining music with meals. In mild winter weather, this event infuses January with joy. Reserve now for an unforgettable afternoon.

SWISS food and drink giant Nestlé has recalled a series of products for infants in several European countries including Spain due to the possible presence of the Bacillus cereus bacteria, according to a report released by the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) on Monday, January 5. This has been called one of the largest product recall campaigns in Nestlé’s corporate history.

What is the problem?

The recalled baby formula has been found to be contaminated with the Bacillus cereus bacteria. This bacteria can produce a toxin called cereulide, which can cause severe nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, or diarrhea when consumed. These food poisoning symptoms can be quick to develop and the bacteria are unlikely to be destroyed by cooking the product (including using boiling water to make the milk). 

The problem, according to the company, was caused by an ingredient provided by one of the suppliers.

Global recall is primarily preventative; other products safe to consume

Nestlé has stated that the recall is preventative and that there have yet been no cases of babies getting ill from consuming the formula. According to the company, the recall is global, and affected products have been sold in several European countries, including France, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Italy and Sweden.

Nestlé stresses that other products that have not been listed in the recall are safe to consume and has offered refunds to those who have purchased affected products.

What products are affected in Spain?

The list of recalled Nestlé products in Spain include:

• Alfamino 400g Can; Alfamino Junior 400g Can
• NAN AR 800g Can
• NAN AR Sachet
• NAN TOTAL COMFORT 1 800g Can
• NAN TOTAL COMFORT 1 Sachet
• NAN TOTAL COMFORT 2 800g Can
• NAN OPTIPRO 1 800g Can
• NAN OPTIPRO 1 1200g Box
• NAN SUPREMEPRO 1 Can 800g
• NAN SUPREMEPRO 2 Can 800g
• NAN SUPREMEPRO 2 Envelope
• NATIVE 1 Can 800g
• NIDINA 1 Can 800g
• NIDINA COMFORT DIGEST Can 800g
• NIDINA COMFORT DIGEST 1 Can 800g

What products are affected in the UK?

The list of recalled Nestlé products in the UK include:

• SMA Advanced First Infant Milk 800g
• SMA Advanced Follow-on Milk 800g
• SMA First Infant Milk 800g
• SMA First Infant Milk 400g
• SMA First Infant Milk 1.2Kg
• SMA LITTLE STEPS First Infant Milk 800g
• SMA Comfort 800g
• SMA First Infant Milk 200ml
• SMA First Infant Milk 70ml
• SMA Lactose Free 400g 
• SMA Anti Reflux 800g
• ALFAMINO 400g

AESAN warns that anyone with the listed products in their home should refrain from consuming them and keep them out of reach of children.

How to check lot and batch numbers for affected products

Concerned parents or guardians can also double-check the lot number of their products and confirm if they are safe to consume through Nestle’s official website. Customers can look for the corresponding code on the base of the tin or box for powdered formulas or the base of the outer box and on the side or top of the container for ready-to-feed formulas.

It is notable that in some countries, the affected products go under different names. For example, in other European countries, the affected products are named Beba and Alfamino. In the UK, the recalled products are known as SMA. Consumers should keep this fact in mind when double-checking formula batches and throw away or return any products suspected to be affected.

Consumers can also stay on top of new health alerts, warnings, and advice by following the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition, or AESAN on its official website.

What to do if your baby has consumed an affected product

If your baby has consumed one of the affected products and is showing symptoms, parents or guardians should immediately go to a healthcare centre with the relevant information, including the lot or batch number or pictures of the product.

Though the levels of the bacteria discovered in the product are very low and unlikely to pose a danger, consumers should keep an eye on their baby if they have consumed the product and take immediate action by getting to a healthcare centre if something seems off.

Additionally, consumers are recommended to:

• Revise expiration dates before purchasing a product.
• Keep receipts or digital purchase history for products in case of recall.
• Avoid taste-testing a suspicious product “just to be sure.”
• Return or bin the product if in doubt.

Recent AESAN health alerts; consumers should stay informed

Less than one month ago, on Monday, December 15, AESAN had issued an alert to consumers warning them of the presence of the bacteria in Nestlé’s Nidina 1 powdered milk baby formula. AESAN has also recently alerted the public to various other products with potentially harmful presences inside them in December and late November 2025, namely batches of Fuente Madre bottled water, Snatt’s Tomato and Oregano Bites, and cold‑cut meat products sold by the brands Nuestra Alacena (DIA) and Serrano.

“The safety and wellbeing of your baby is our top priority,” states Nestlé on its website. “We have detected the possible presence of cereulide in some specific batches of formula, so we have decided to voluntarily recall them as a preventative measure.”

Read more news from Spain here.

Read more Health and Beauty news here.

If you drive regularly in Spain, chances are you’ve already noticed that 2026 feels like a reset year for road rules. From mandatory V16 beacons to new obligations on motorways, the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) has been busy tightening and clarifying regulations. But one change, in particular, is catching drivers off guard: the way you are now expected to overtake.

What used to be a matter of “common sense” or “extra caution” is now spelled out in black and white. Since January 1 2026, overtaking a broken-down vehicle on the hard shoulder or passing cyclists comes with clear speed limits, fixed safety distances and very little room for interpretation. If you’re still driving the way you did last year, this guide is worth a careful read.

Overtaking in 2026: slower, wider and no longer optional

Until now, Spanish traffic rules were surprisingly vague when it came to overtaking stationary vehicles on the shoulder or cyclists riding close to the road. Drivers were told to be cautious, slow down if necessary and, in the case of cyclists, leave a lateral gap of 1.5 metres. There was no precise speed reduction rule, and enforcement varied widely.

That has changed.

From 1 January 2026, the DGT requires drivers to reduce their speed by at least 20 km/h below the maximum speed limit of the road when overtaking a vehicle stopped on the hard shoulder, especially if it is signalling an incident. The same rule applies when overtaking one or more cyclists.

In practical terms, that means:

– On a road limited to 90 km/h, you must drop to at least 70 km/h
– On a motorway limited to 120 km/h, you must slow to at least 100 km/h

And slowing down is only part of it.

Drivers must also maintain a minimum lateral distance of 1.5 metres, a requirement that now explicitly applies not only to cyclists, but also to stationary vehicles on the shoulder. This distance is no longer a recommendation. It is an obligation.

Yes, you can cross a solid line – but only in specific cases

One of the most surprising elements of the new rules is what they allow, not just what they restrict.

To guarantee that 1.5-metre safety distance, drivers are now allowed to partially occupy the opposite lane, even if there is a continuous white line. For years, crossing a solid line was seen as an absolute no-go. In 2026, safety takes priority over paint on the road.

That said, this is not a free pass.

Crossing into the opposite lane is only permitted if visibility is sufficient and no other road users are put at risk. If traffic conditions do not allow it, you must wait. The rule is designed to protect vulnerable road users, not to justify risky manoeuvres.

In short: slow down, move over if it’s safe, and if it isn’t, don’t overtake.

Why the DGT decided to step in

These changes did not come out of nowhere. In recent years, Spain has seen a worrying number of serious and fatal accidents involving cyclists, roadside workers and drivers stopped on the shoulder. Many of those incidents happened at high speed, with vehicles passing dangerously close.

The introduction of mandatory V16 emergency beacons, now required in all vehicles, is part of the same safety push. These connected warning lights make broken-down vehicles more visible and alert traffic authorities instantly. But the DGT’s message is clear: visibility alone is not enough if drivers keep passing at full speed.

By setting a fixed speed reduction and a clear safety distance, the DGT aims to remove ambiguity. Drivers no longer get to decide what “being careful” means. The rule now defines it.

Other key traffic changes in Spain for 2026

The overtaking rules are just one piece of a broader update to Spain’s road regulations this year.

The most controversial change is the mandatory V16 beacon, which replaces traditional warning triangles. Since 1 January, every vehicle must carry one, or risk an €80 fine. The beacon emits a powerful 360-degree flashing light for at least 30 minutes and transmits the vehicle’s location. Despite criticism over its cost and effectiveness, the rule is now fully in force.

There has also been confusion around insurance requirements for personal mobility vehicles (VMPs). While wider insurance obligations were initially expected to apply from early January, the DGT has clarified that most VMPs are not yet affected, as the national registration system is still not operational.

However, VMPs weighing more than 25 kilos and capable of exceeding 14 km/h must be insured before 26 January, even without registration.

Another important change affects motorway driving during congestion. Since 1 January, drivers are legally required to free the central lane on motorways and dual carriageways when traffic slows or stops. Vehicles must move to the sides to create a clear corridor for ambulances, police and fire services.

What this means for everyday drivers

For many motorists, these changes require a mental shift. Slowing down by 20 km/h can feel unnecessary on an empty road. Crossing a solid line still feels wrong after years of conditioning. But in 2026, not adapting carries real consequences, both legal and physical.

The DGT’s message this year is consistent: road safety comes before habit, speed or convenience. Whether you are overtaking a cyclist on a rural road or passing a broken-down car on the shoulder, the expectation is the same – slow down, give space, and don’t rush the manoeuvre.

For drivers who stay informed, the rules are straightforward. For those who don’t, 2026 may come with fines, penalty points and uncomfortable lessons. Overtaking in Spain has changed – and this time, the rules leave very little room for excuses.

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