UK food safety authorities have issued another recall warning for infant formula products after fears of possible contamination with a harmful toxin.
Danone has recalled 14 additional batches of its Aptamil and Cow & Gate first infant and follow-on milks, following concerns that they may contain cereulide, a toxin that could make the products unsafe for babies.
Food safety experts have urged parents and caregivers across the UK to check formula batches stored at home and stop using any affected products immediately.
Health officials report that 36 children in the UK are suspected to have experienced food poisoning symptoms linked to the recalled formula. Symptoms associated with cereulide exposure may include:
Authorities stressed that none of the infants are believed to be seriously ill.
The issue is part of a wider international concern, with several manufacturers, including Nestlé and Danone , recalling infant formula products in more than 60 countries since December.
In the UK alone, a total of 28 batches have now been recalled. Traces of cereulide were previously detected in one batch of Aptamil First Infant Formula earlier this year.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has stated that the contamination has been linked to an ingredient used in formula production , arachidonic acid (ARA) oil, which supports infant growth and development.
Investigators believe the contamination originated from a third-party supplier, which manufacturers have now stopped using.
FSA chief executive Katie Pettifer said investigations remain ongoing.
“Food businesses have a legal responsibility to ensure food safety, including verifying that ingredients from suppliers are safe,” she said.
Danone North Europe said it takes food safety seriously and emphasized that its baby formula products are produced under strict quality standards.
The company confirmed that low levels of cereulide were found in specific batches, which have now been removed and replaced.
The FSA has advised families to consult the batch list available on its website and return any affected products to retailers.
“The affected batches are unlikely to still be on shop shelves but may be in your cupboard,” Pettifer warned.
Major supermarkets including Tesco and Co-op are continuing to stock unaffected formula products, and parents are reassured that safe alternatives remain available.