Key Update

At least 36 infants in the UK have reported suspected food poisoning, following the recall of specific baby formula batches produced by Nestlé and Danone due to cereulide contamination. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it received clinical notifications of infants showing vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea, and abdominal cramps, symptoms consistent with cereulide poisoning, though investigations are ongoing.

Infants Stable, No Severe Illness Reported

UKHSA reported that none of the affected infants, most of whom are around or under one year of age, are gravely ill. Health officials said the current number of cases does not indicate a wider outbreak.

Gauri Godbole of UKHSA said the reports were not unexpected, citing the widespread availability of the products before the recall and the testing that followed. She added that surveillance data shows no unusual rise in vomiting cases among infants for this time of year. The agency said it will continue to closely monitor the situation and issue updates as needed.

Products and Batches Under Recall

While UKHSA has not conclusively confirmed cereulide poisoning in every case, officials verified that all affected infants consumed the recalled formula. The recall includes:

• Danone: 800g pack with code EXP 31-10-2026

• Nestlé: Multiple products, including SMA infant formula and follow-on formula, with batch details listed on the company’s website

Authorities reported 24 cases in England, seven in Scotland, three in Wales, one in Northern Ireland, and one in a Crown Dependency, which includes the Isle of Man, Jersey, and Guernsey.

Global Scope of Contamination

The UK is not the only country affected. Authorities in several European and other countries have also reported contamination in infant formula products, prompting a global recall. Cereulide, a heat-stable toxin, survives cooking and formula preparation, making such contamination particularly dangerous in infant foods.

Contaminated Ingredient Identified

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) traced the toxin to arachidonic acid oil, an ingredient added to infant formula to replicate growth-supporting components found in breast milk. The agency advised parents to stop using affected products immediately and switch to an alternative formula. Parents concerned about possible exposure should contact their GP or NHS 111 for medical advice.

Authorities Investigate Supply Chain Failures

The FSA said it is working with manufacturers to trace all products that may have used the contaminated ingredient and ensure complete removal from sale. Rebecca Sudworth, Director of Policy at the FSA, said authorities are investigating the supply chain with international partners to determine what went wrong. “We need clear assurances from manufacturers that this will not happen again,” she said, adding that the FSA “will not hesitate to take further action if required.”

Source: BBC