FULL LIST: Authorities Recall Baby Formula Products Across 60 Countries Over Toxin Fears
UK Authorities Issue Urgent Recall of Baby Formula Products
Authorities in the United Kingdom have announced a significant recall of several baby formula products due to concerns of potential contamination. This action affects products distributed in over 60 countries.
Food safety experts are urging parents to review batch codes and contents of their baby formula to ensure their children’s safety. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has reported that food manufacturer Danone has recalled 14 additional batches of Aptamil and Cow & Gate first infant and follow-on milks. This recall follows the detection of a toxin known as cereulide, which may pose health risks to infants.
Danone and another producer, Nestlé, have assured the FSA that the affected batches were produced well in the past and are unlikely to still be available for purchase in stores. Nevertheless, the companies have advised parents to inspect their home supplies to avoid any potential health risks.
Reports indicate that cereulide can lead to symptoms including vomiting and stomach cramps. So far, 36 children in the UK are suspected of having experienced food poisoning associated with these products.
Parents are encouraged to refer to the FSA website for a complete list of affected batches and to discontinue using any implicated products.
Since December, multiple manufacturers, including Nestlé and Danone, have issued recalls involving contaminated infant formula spanning more than 60 countries. This includes batches of SMA, produced by Nestlé, along with various Aptamil and Cow & Gate products by Danone. In total, 28 batches have been recalled since traces of the toxin were found in one batch of Aptamil First Infant Formula earlier this year.
Products recalled by Danone include:
- 800g Aptamil 1 First Infant Milk with expiry dates from July 9, 2026, to December 4, 2026.
- 700g Aptamil 1 First Infant Milk with expiry dates from August 22, 2026, to November 26, 2026.
- 700g Cow & Gate 1 First Infant Milk with expiry dates from July 31, 2026, to January 31, 2027.
- 1.2kg Cow & Gate 1 First Infant Milk Big Pack with expiry dates from July 11, 2026, to February 20, 2027.
- Additional items varying in size and expiration dates.
Products recalled by Nestlé include:
- 800g SMA Advanced First Infant Milk, identified with specific batch codes expiring in May 2027.
- 800g SMA Advanced Follow-On Milk with multiple batch codes and expiry dates in July 2027.
- 400g SMA ALFAMINO with multiple batch codes and varying expiring dates in 2027 and beyond.
The presence of cereulide, a heat-stable toxin produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus, highlights the urgency of this recall. Consumption can lead to quick onset of symptoms, including nausea and abdominal cramps. Parents are advised to cease use of any affected products immediately, and consult a healthcare professional if the formula was prescribed.
Danone and Nestlé will display point-of-sale notices in retail locations where the recalled products were sold to inform customers of the situation and provide guidance on the next steps.
