More batches of baby formula recalled over fears they contain harmful toxins

More batches of baby formula in the UK have been urgently recalled over fears they have poisoned children.

Danone has recalled several batches of Aptamil and Cow & Gate because of the suspected presence of toxins.

Various batches of Nestle’s SMA Infant Formula and Follow-On Formula products have also been taken off the shelves following previous recalls.

It comes after dozens of children developed symptoms consistent with cereulide toxin poisoning, the UK Health Security Agency has said.

The toxin can cause food poisoning symptoms including vomiting and stomach cramps, the Food Standards Agency said.

The specific products recalled include:

• Aptamil 1 First Infant Milk – 800g – All dates from 9 July 2026 to 4 December 2026
• Aptamil 1 First Infant Milk – 700g – All dates from 22 August 2026 to 26 November 2026
• Cow & Gate 1 First Infant Milk – 700g – All dates from 31 July 2026 to 31 January 2027
• Cow & Gate 1 First Infant Milk Big Pack – 1.2kg –
  All dates from 11 July 2026 to 20 February 2027
• Cow & Gate 1 First Infant Milk Hungry – 800g – All dates from 31 July 2026 to 23 February 2027
• Cow & Gate 1 First Infant Milk – 600g –
  All dates from 12 August 2026 to 16 January 2027
• Cow & Gate Anti-Reflux – 800g – All dates from 7 June 2026 to 18 February 2027
• Aptamil 1 First Infant Milk Big Pack – 1.2kg – All dates from 14 August 2026 to 25 December 2026
• Aptamil 1 First Infant Milk Hungry – 800g –
  All dates from 4 July 2026 to 24 February 2027
• Aptamil 1 First Infant Milk Pre-measured Tabs – All dates up to and including 17 January 2027
• Aptamil 2 Follow On Milk – 800g –
  All dates from 18 June 2026 to 4 January 2027
• Aptamil 2 Follow On Milk – 700g – All dates from 5 August 2026 to 20 February 2027
• Aptamil 2 Follow On Milk Big Pack – 1.2kg –
  All dates from 23 July 2026 to 13 January 2027
• Aptamil 2 Follow On Milk Pre-measured Tabs – All dates up to and including 17 January 2027
• Cow & Gate 1 First Infant Milk – 800g –
  All dates from 11 June 2026 to 25 January 2027

According to the UKHSA, there have been 36 clinical reports of children suffering symptoms linked to the move.

They include 24 notifications in England, seven in Scotland, three in Wales, one in Northern Ireland, and one in the Crown Dependencies.

Speaking about the Aptamil recall, FSA head of incidents Darren Whitby said: ‘If you have fed this product to a baby and have any concerns about potential health impact, you should seek advice from healthcare professionals by contacting your GP or by calling NHS111.

‘Danone has recalled this product because cereulide, a toxin produced by a pathogen, Bacillus cereus, has been found in the batch.

‘Only one batch of the Aptamil First Instant Formula has been distributed to the UK. However, there are additional batches in other countries that are also affected.’

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