A baby formula product has been withdrawn from sale in UK stores due to the presence of a toxin that can induce vomiting. The Food Standards Agency announced that Danone’s Aptamil First Infant Formula contained the cereulide toxin, known for causing fast-acting food poisoning. The affected batch, identified by the 800g containers with an expiry date of 31/10/2026, has been recalled as a precautionary measure.
Symptoms associated with the cereulide toxin include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. Customers are advised not to feed the product to infants if they have purchased it. Individuals who bought the formula between May and July 2025 can return it to the store for a full refund, regardless of whether they have a receipt. It has been clarified that only the batches with the specified expiry date are impacted by the recall notice.
For those who have been prescribed the infant formula by a healthcare provider, consultation with a pharmacist or medical professional is recommended before switching formulas. If any concerns arise about potential health risks from consuming the product, parents or caregivers should seek guidance from healthcare professionals.
The Food Standards Agency emphasized the danger of consuming the product contaminated with cereulide, stressing that the toxin is produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus and remains stable even through cooking or preparation according to NHS guidelines. Symptoms of cereulide poisoning include rapid-onset nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
Danone has initiated a recall of the product, and point-of-sale notifications will be posted in all retail establishments selling the item to inform customers about the reason for the recall and the necessary actions to take if they have purchased the product.
