Danone has recalled additional batches of its Aptamil and Cow & Gate baby formulas due to potential contamination with the heat-resistant toxin cereulide, which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in infants. The move follows the Food Standards Agency (FSA) confirming over 30 reports of children showing symptoms consistent with cereulide poisoning linked to recent recalls by Danone and Nestlé.
The affected products include both powdered and pre-mixed formulas for babies and toddlers. Danone stated that all products currently available for purchase are safe, and it has replaced the recalled batches with new stock. The FSA advised parents to check their cupboards for affected batches and return them to stores for exchange.
The recall expands on a previous recall of Aptamil First Infant Formula on 24 January. The contamination has been traced to arachidonic acid (ARA) oil, a shared ingredient from a third-party supplier. Nestlé also recalled over 60 batches of its SMA formula in January for the same reason.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported 24 notifications in England, seven in Scotland, three in Wales, one in Northern Ireland, and one from the Crown dependencies. Symptoms of cereulide poisoning typically begin within 15 minutes to six hours of ingestion and resolve within 24 hours, though rare cases of severe illness have been reported.
Parents whose babies have consumed the affected formula are urged to contact their GP or NHS 111. The FSA continues to investigate the source of the contamination, emphasising that while the toxin rarely causes serious harm, young children and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk.
