Health authorities in the United Kingdom are responding to a rapidly evolving baby formula recall after multiple products were withdrawn from sale over concerns they may contain a heat-resistant toxin linked to sickness in infants.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) have issued guidance urging parents and caregivers to check infant formula brands they have at home against official recall lists, following reports that around 36 children across the UK developed symptoms consistent with toxin exposure after consuming recalled formula.
What’s Been Recalled?
Major manufacturers Nestlé and Danone have both expanded their recalls in the UK, centred on concerns about the possible presence of cereulide, a toxin produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus.
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Nestlé has voluntarily recalled multiple batches of its SMA infant formula and follow-on formula, including powder and pre-mixed products, after the FSA identified the possible toxin contamination.
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Danone has recalled additional batches of Aptamil and Cow & Gate infant formula products over similar concerns, with specific best-before dates and batch codes listed in recall notices.
The contamination has been linked to an ingredient, arachidonic acid (ARA) oil, supplied by a third-party manufacturer, which both companies have since stopped using.
Retailers including Tesco and Co-op continue to stock unaffected products, and authorities say new supplies are being rolled out while recalled batches are removed.
Health Concerns and Symptoms
Cereulide is a heat-stable toxin, meaning it cannot be eliminated by boiling or typical preparation methods. If consumed, symptoms can appear quickly and include vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach cramps—symptoms reported in the recent cluster of cases.
Most children appear to recover once exposure stops, but the UKHSA continues to monitor reports of illness. Parents are advised to seek medical advice through their GP or NHS 111 if they are concerned about symptoms in infants who have consumed an affected product.
Official Guidance for Parents
The FSA and food safety partners advise:
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Check baby formula at home against the official recall lists for Aptamil, Cow & Gate and SMA brands.
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Do not use or feed infants any products from recalled batches; return them to the place of purchase for a refund or exchange.
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If a baby has been fed an affected batch and shows symptoms, contact a healthcare professional.
Health authorities emphasise that unaffected batches and other brands remain safe to use, and that the risk from contamination at the levels found is considered low, but warrants cautious action given the vulnerability of infants.
When to contact NHS services:
if concerned: if a baby has consumed one of the recalled formula batches and shows symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea or other signs of illness, families are advised to contact a GP or call NHS 111 for clinical advice.