A baby formula product has been withdrawn from sale due to the presence of a toxin that can cause vomiting in a batch sold in UK stores. The Food Standards Agency reported that the Cereulide toxin, known for causing rapid-onset food poisoning, was detected in Danone’s Aptamil First Infant Formula containers with an expiry date of 31/10/2026. As a precautionary measure, the 800g containers have been recalled.
Symptoms associated with the cereulide toxin include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. Consumers are advised not to feed this product to babies if purchased. Customers who bought the affected product between May and July 2025 with the expiry date mentioned can return it to the store for a full refund, regardless of having a receipt. The notice only pertains to the specified batches, and no other batches are affected.
For those who have been prescribed this infant formula by a healthcare professional, it is recommended to consult a pharmacist or medical professional before switching formulas. If the product has already been given to a baby, and there are concerns about potential health risks, parents or caregivers should seek advice from healthcare providers.
The Food Standards Agency emphasized the product’s safety risks due to the presence of the cereulide toxin, which is produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus. The toxin is highly heat-stable, making it resistant to deactivation through cooking or following NHS guidelines for preparing infant milk. Consumption of this toxin can result in rapid symptom onset, including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
Danone is initiating a recall of the affected product, with point-of-sale notifications to be displayed in retail stores selling it. These notices will inform customers of the reason for the recall and provide guidance on what actions to take if they have purchased the product.