UK Health Authorities Investigate 36 Cases of Suspected Baby Formula Poisoning

Investigation Underway into Baby Formula Contamination

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is actively investigating 36 cases of children across the United Kingdom who have developed symptoms consistent with toxin poisoning. These illnesses are believed to be linked to batches of baby formula that have been subject to recent recalls by manufacturers Nestlé and Danone.

The reported cases span the UK, with 24 notifications in England, seven in Scotland, three in Wales, one in Northern Ireland, and one from the Crown Dependencies.

Cereulide Toxin Identified as Cause

The suspected cause of the illnesses is the cereulide toxin, which is produced by certain strains of the bacterium Bacillus cereus.

Symptoms associated with cereulide toxin poisoning typically include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal cramps

These symptoms usually have a rapid onset, appearing between 15 minutes and six hours after ingestion, and generally resolve within 24 hours if there is no further exposure to the toxin. While severe illness is rare, the UKHSA noted that 'a few' cases of liver or kidney injury, muscle breakdown, and multi-organ failure can occur, particularly in young children and those with compromised immune systems.

Product Recalls and Shared Contamination Source

The investigation follows two significant product recalls:

• Nestlé initiated a precautionary recall of more than 60 batches of its SMA Infant Formula and Follow-On Formula products in the UK. This recall began on January 5 and was updated on January 9.
• Danone recalled one batch of its Aptamil First Infant Formula on January 24. The affected Aptamil batch had a best-before date of October 31, 2026, and was sold between May and July 2025.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) confirmed that the contamination leading to both recalls originated from a shared, third-party ingredient supplier. The problematic ingredient has been identified as arachidonic acid (AHA) oil, sourced from a single supplier based in China.

Official Guidance and Ongoing Monitoring

Gauri Godbole, Deputy Director for Gastrointestinal Infections, Food Safety, and One Health at UKHSA, stated that the reports of children falling ill were 'not unexpected' given the widespread availability of the affected products prior to their recall. The UKHSA is continuing to monitor healthcare systems and investigate the incident with other public health and food standard agencies.

The FSA has advised parents and caregivers with any affected products to stop using them immediately and switch to an alternative. They also recommend contacting a GP or NHS 111 if a baby has consumed the formula and developed symptoms. For prescribed formulas, parents should consult a pharmacist or doctor before making any changes.

It is important to note that the cereulide toxin is heat-resistant, meaning it is unlikely to be destroyed by cooking, boiling water, or during the preparation of infant milk.