As of , health officials in the United Kingdom are investigating 36 cases of illness in infants potentially linked to recently recalled batches of baby formula. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has received clinical reports of young children exhibiting symptoms consistent with cereulide toxin poisoning after consuming the affected products.
What is Cereulide Toxin and Why is it a Concern?
Cereulide is a heat-resistant toxin that can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. The presence of this toxin prompted recalls from major formula manufacturers, Nestlé and Danone, beginning in January 2026. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) confirmed the presence of the toxin in some Nestlé products, tracing the problematic ingredient to arachidonic acid oil.
Which Products Have Been Recalled?
Nestlé initiated a recall of over 60 batches of its SMA infant formula and follow-on formula products on . Specific batch numbers affected are listed on the company’s website. Danone also recalled one batch of its Aptamil first infant formula on , specifically the 800g pack coded EXP 31-10-2026.
Geographic Distribution of Reported Cases
The 36 clinical reports of illness have been reported across the United Kingdom. Specifically, 24 cases are in England, seven in Scotland, three in Wales, one in Northern Ireland, and one in one of the Crown Dependencies – which includes the Isle of Man, Jersey, and Guernsey.
Symptoms and Severity of Illness
The reported symptoms among the affected infants include vomiting and diarrhoea, consistent with cereulide poisoning. While these symptoms are concerning for parents, health officials state that none of the infants – all around or under one year of age – are reported to be gravely ill. One mother in Northamptonshire reported her one-year-old daughter “projectile vomited” after consuming a recalled batch of Nestlé SMA formula.
What is the UKHSA Saying?
Gauri Godbole, from the UKHSA, stated that the number of reported cases is “not unexpected,” given the widespread availability of the affected products before the recall and subsequent testing. She also noted that current surveillance indicators do not show unusual increases in reports of vomiting in children under the age of one for this time of year. However, the agency is continuing to monitor the situation and provide updates.
The UKHSA has confirmed that the infants experiencing symptoms had consumed the specific brands of infant formula that were subject to recall. Investigations are ongoing to assess the severity of illness in individuals who consumed the formula and exhibited symptoms of food poisoning. Confirmed infections with seasonal viruses have been noted in only a “few” of these cases.
What is Being Done to Address the Situation?
The recalls initiated by Nestlé and Danone are the primary response to this issue. The UKHSA is actively monitoring the situation, investigating the public health implications of the recall, and assessing the impact of the toxin on children. The agency is also continuing to receive and analyze clinical notifications of potential cases.
What Should Parents Do?
Parents who have purchased the recalled batches of formula are strongly advised to check the batch numbers and discontinue use immediately. Information on affected batches can be found on the Nestlé and Danone websites. While the UKHSA indicates that a significant increase in vomiting cases hasn’t been observed, vigilance and adherence to the recall instructions are crucial.
Looking Ahead
The situation remains under investigation, and health officials are continuing to gather data and assess the extent of the contamination. The UKHSA will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. The focus remains on identifying and supporting any affected infants and preventing further exposure to the contaminated formula.
