Further batches of infant formula have been urgently withdrawn from UK shelves amid growing concerns about potential contamination with dangerous toxins. This latest development follows reports of numerous children exhibiting symptoms consistent with food poisoning, prompting swift action from manufacturers and health authorities.
Expanding Safety Concerns
The Food Standards Agency and UK Health Security Agency have confirmed that multiple products from leading brands are now subject to recall. Danone has removed several batches of its Aptamil and Cow & Gate formulas from circulation, while Nestle has also taken action regarding its SMA Infant Formula and Follow-On Formula ranges.
These measures come in response to clinical reports indicating that dozens of children have developed symptoms potentially linked to cereulide toxin exposure. This harmful substance, produced by the Bacillus cereus pathogen, can trigger significant gastrointestinal distress including vomiting and severe stomach cramps.
Affected Products and Batches
The recall encompasses a wide range of products with specific batch codes and expiration dates. Parents and caregivers are urged to check their supplies immediately against the following list:
- 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
Geographical Impact and Health Advice
The UKHSA has recorded 36 clinical reports of affected children across the nation, with cases distributed throughout England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Crown Dependencies. Darren Whitby, Head of Incidents at the Food Standards Agency, emphasized the importance of seeking medical guidance for concerned parents.
"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," Whitby stated. He further explained that while only one batch of Aptamil First Instant Formula has been distributed within the UK, additional batches in other countries have also been affected by similar contamination concerns.
This expanding recall represents a significant public health alert, with authorities continuing to monitor the situation closely as investigations into the source of contamination progress.
