Danone has recalled several batches of Aptamil and Cow & Gate baby formula due to potential contamination with cereulide toxin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. The recall follows more than 30 reports of children showing symptoms linked to the toxin, according to the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
The affected products include powdered and pre-mixed formulas for babies and toddlers. Danone stated that all products currently available for purchase are safe, as they have replaced the affected batches. The FSA confirmed that the contamination originated from a shared third-party ingredient supplier of arachidonic acid (ARA) oil.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported 36 notifications of children with symptoms consistent with cereulide poisoning across the UK and crown dependencies. Symptoms typically appear within 15 minutes to six hours after ingestion and resolve within 24 hours, though rare cases can lead to more severe illness.
FSA chief executive Katie Pettifer urged parents to check their cupboards and not use any affected batches, which can be returned to stores for exchange. Parents whose babies have consumed the formula should contact their GP or NHS 111. The FSA continues to investigate the source of the contamination.
