Health authorities across the United Kingdom have confirmed that 36 children have developed symptoms consistent with toxin-related food poisoning, following an escalating contamination scandal involving multiple batches of infant formula produced by global dairy giants Danone, Nestlé and Lactalis.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that illness complaints have been received nationwide after infants consumed formula products now linked to the presence of cereulide, a dangerous toxin produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus.
The incident has triggered one of the most significant infant formula safety alerts in recent years, raising serious concerns among parents, caregivers and regulators.
According to UKHSA data reported on 6 February, illness notifications have been recorded across multiple regions:
Health officials described these as clinical notifications of children developing symptoms consistent with cereulide toxin poisoning after consuming affected batches of infant formula.
Authorities added that the widespread nature of reports was expected, given that the products were widely available before recall actions began.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) continues to investigate the contamination source and distribution chain.
Cereulide is a heat-stable toxin produced by some strains of the bacterium Bacillus cereus.
Unlike many other foodborne hazards, cereulide is especially concerning because:
Health experts warn that infants are particularly vulnerable due to their immature immune systems and reliance on formula as a primary food source.
On 6 February, Danone issued an expanded recall covering additional batches of its widely used Aptamil and Cow & Gate formula products.
The company confirmed that the powder was manufactured in Ireland and exported to several EU countries, including the UK.
FSAI Chief Executive Greg Dempsey described the issue as an “evolving global concern” for parents and caregivers.
Aptamil 1 – From Birth (800g)
Aptamil 2 – Follow-On Milk 6–12 months (800g)
Aptamil Hungry 1 – From Birth (800g)
Cow & Gate Anti-Reflux – From Birth (800g)
Consumers are strongly advised not to feed these products to infants and to follow recall instructions.
French dairy multinational Lactalis, the world’s largest dairy company, has also voluntarily recalled infant milk products marketed under its Picot brand and other labels.
The recall, first announced on 21 January, affected products distributed in 19 countries.
Lactalis Nutrition Santé stated that cereulide was detected in an ingredient sourced from a supplier, prompting immediate action.
Australia, China, Spain, Greece, Kuwait, Mexico, Peru, Taiwan, the Czech Republic, and several others.
The company confirmed that six batches of Picot infant formula were included, sold through pharmacies and supermarkets.
On 30 January, Nestlé recalled multiple batches of its SMA Instant Infant Formula and Follow-On Formula, advising parents to stop use immediately.
Customers were instructed to either destroy the product or return it to retailers.
Multiple batch codes affected, expiry dates ranging from April–November 2027.
Numerous batch codes affected through December 2027.
Several batch codes included through April 2027.
Authorities continue to urge parents and caregivers to:
Officials emphasized that infants who consumed recalled formula but show no symptoms do not require further action, though monitoring is advised.
Investigators believe the contamination may be linked to a shared ingredient supply chain, with reports suggesting a supplier of ARA (arachidonic acid) oil could be involved.
The FSA and international regulators are continuing testing to ensure unsafe products are removed from the market.
The growing infant formula recall involving Danone, Nestlé and Lactalis represents a major food safety crisis, with 36 reported illnesses across the UK and expanding international concern.
Parents are urged to remain vigilant, check product details immediately, and follow official recall guidance as investigations continue.