Danone has recalled several batches of Aptamil and Cow & Gate baby formula due to the possible presence of a toxin linked to poisoning in children. Low levels of heat-resistant toxin cereulide, which can cause symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea, were identified in specific batches.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) confirmed there have been more than 30 reports of children with symptoms of toxin poisoning linked to recent recalls by Danone and Nestlé. The affected products are in addition to a batch of Aptamil First Infant Formula recalled by Danone on 24 January.
Danone stated it has replaced the affected batches with new products and assured that all products currently available for purchase are safe. A spokesperson for Danone North Europe said: “Danone never compromises on food safety, and we want to reassure all parents that we take this responsibility seriously.”
The FSA advised parents not to use affected batches and to return them to the store for exchange. FSA chief executive Katie Pettifer said: “If you have an affected batch, do not use it. You can return it to the store and exchange it for an unaffected batch.”
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported 24 notifications in England, seven in Scotland, three in Wales, one in Northern Ireland, and one from crown dependencies of children developing symptoms consistent with cereulide toxin poisoning after consuming implicated batches. The contamination originated from a shared, third-party ingredient supplier.
Parents are urged to contact their GP or NHS 111 if their baby has consumed the formula. The FSA continues to investigate the source of the contamination.
