Infant formula linked to suspected food poisoning
Thirty-six infants in the UK have reportedly fallen ill after consuming contaminated baby formula. The cases follow the recall of specific batches produced by Nestle and Danone due to contamination with the toxin cereulide.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) received clinical notifications of young children showing symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea, consistent with cereulide poisoning. None of the infants, all around or under one year old, are reported to be gravely ill.
UKHSA monitors situation closely
Gauri Godbole from UKHSA said the cases were not unexpected given “the widespread availability” of the affected products prior to the recall and subsequent testing. She added that there were no signs of a large-scale outbreak.
“Current surveillance indicators do not show unusual increases in reports of vomiting in children under the age of one for this time of year,” Godbole said. The agency continues to monitor the situation and provide updates to the public.
Affected products and distribution
The Danone batch affected is the 800g pack coded EXP 31-10-2026. For Nestle, the recall involves several products, including SMA infant formula and follow-on formula, with affected batches listed on the company website.
Of the 36 UK cases, 24 were reported in England, seven in Scotland, three in Wales, one in Northern Ireland, and one in a Crown Dependency, including the Isle of Man, Jersey, or Guernsey. Other countries across Europe and beyond have also reported contaminated products.
Health risks and safety advice
Cereulide is a toxin that is unlikely to be destroyed by cooking or formula preparation. If consumed, it can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps that develop quickly.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) confirmed that the toxin was present in arachidonic acid oil, an ingredient added to formula to provide nutrients similar to breast milk. Parents are urged to stop using any affected products and switch to an alternative formula.
The FSA advised parents concerned about their babies to contact their GP or NHS 111. The agency is working with manufacturers to trace all affected products and remove them from sale.
FSA investigates supply chain
Rebecca Sudworth, FSA director of policy, said: “Along with international partners as part of this global recall, we are investigating the supply chain. We need to know from manufacturers what went wrong and get assurances from the companies involved that it won’t happen again. The FSA will not hesitate to take further action if required.”
Source: BBC
Also read: Nestle recalls baby formula in Cyprus
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