A mother from Manchester has spoken of her ongoing guilt after her newborn son spent five days in hospital and months in agony, only to discover she had been feeding him three brands of baby formula that were later recalled over potential toxin contamination.
Catharine Alexander, 24, gave birth to her son Arlo Chalmers in November and initially fed him Cow & Gate First Infant Milk. Shortly after bringing him home, Arlo began projectile vomiting and 'screaming in agony'. He was rushed to hospital where he was treated for a bacterial infection and remained for five days on oxygen and a feeding tube.
After being discharged, Alexander switched to SMA Little Steps and later Aptamil First Infant Formula as Arlo's symptoms persisted. For three months, the baby suffered daily vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation. It was only this month that Alexander realised all three brands had been recalled due to the possible presence of cereulide, a toxin that can cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps.
The Food Standards Agency confirmed certain batches from SMA, Aptamil and Cow & Gate may contain cereulide and urged parents to contact their GP or NHS 111 if they had used the affected products. Alexander checked her formula and found the Cow & Gate batch was among those recalled; she believes the other two were as well.
Since switching to a different brand, Arlo's symptoms disappeared overnight. Nestlé, which manufactures SMA, said all affected batches are now being tested. Danone, which produces Cow & Gate and Aptamil, admitted low levels of cereulide were found in some recalled batches. Alexander said she feels 'mum guilt' daily and believes the brands should compensate affected families.
