The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed an investigation after 36 cases of children displaying symptoms consistent with cereulide toxin poisoning were linked to recently recalled infant formula.
The health body and its partner organisations have documented reports from across the country involving youngsters who consumed affected batches.
England accounts for the majority of notifications, with 24 cases reported. Scotland has seen seven instances, while Wales recorded three cases. Northern Ireland and the Crown Dependencies each reported a single case.
The affected children developed symptoms consistent with poisoning from the cereulide toxin after consuming products from the recalled batches.
The 36 cases involve youngsters who consumed affected batches
|FSA
The recall process began on 5 January when the Food Standards Agency announced that Nestlé was withdrawing multiple batches of 12 SMA Infant Formula and Follow-On Formula products as a precautionary measure.
This action was taken due to potential cereulide toxin contamination.
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Four days later, on 9 January, the recall was expanded to include additional product expiry dates.
Later that month, on 24 January, Danone joined the recall effort by withdrawing a single batch of its Aptamil First Infant Formula.
The Danone product was confirmed to be contaminated with cereulide.
Both manufacturers have removed the affected products from sale across the UK.
What is Cereulide?
Cereulide is produced by specific strains of Bacillus cereus bacteria and poses particular challenges for infant feeding.
The toxin demonstrates remarkable heat resistance, meaning standard formula preparation methods, including boiling water, cannot destroy or neutralise it.
Parents of babies who were prescribed the formula have been urged to consult a pharmacist
|GETTY
Those who ingest the substance typically experience a rapid onset of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps.
The FSA has issued an urgent warning to all parents, emphasising that they must stop using the affected products immediately, regardless of whether their child has shown any illness.
Parents whose babies were prescribed the formula by healthcare professionals should consult a pharmacist or doctor before switching to alternative products.
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