Health authorities in the United Kingdom are investigating more than 60 cases of babies falling ill after consuming infant formula suspected to be contaminated with a harmful toxin.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed it is examining multiple reports of infants developing symptoms consistent with cereulide toxin poisoning after being fed formula from recalled batches.
The issue emerged after food and beverage giant Nestlé recalled dozens of batches of its SMA infant formula and follow-on formula in January. The recall affected products distributed in more than 60 countries worldwide.
Dangerous toxin detected in formula
The recall was triggered by concerns over the presence of cereulide, a heat-resistant toxin that can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach cramps.
Authorities said the toxin was introduced through an ingredient supplied by a third-party manufacturer that had been used in the production of certain formula batches.
Testing of recalled products confirmed that some batches contained toxin levels exceeding safety limits set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
In response, both Nestlé and other manufacturers have stopped sourcing ingredients from the supplier involved.
Multiple babies treated in hospital
The UKHSA said it is currently examining illness reports involving more than 60 infants across the country. Among the affected children, investigators recorded 35 boys and 26 girls.
Several families have shared distressing experiences after unknowingly feeding their babies formula from the affected batches.
One mother from Nottinghamshire said her eight-month-old daughter became seriously ill with severe vomiting and diarrhoea after consuming a recalled prescription formula. The child required hospital treatment for dehydration but has since recovered.
Another parent from Kent described the emotional stress of watching his infant son suffer persistent vomiting and dehydration before doctors discovered the link to the recalled formula.
Wider recalls and ongoing investigation
In addition to Nestlé’s recall, Danone has also withdrawn batches of Aptamil and Cow & Gate first infant milk, citing similar contamination concerns.
However, Danone has stated that there are currently no confirmed illness cases linked to its products.
Health officials said confirming cereulide poisoning can be challenging because laboratory testing capabilities for the toxin remain limited in the UK. Authorities are working to improve testing capacity as investigations continue.
Advice for parents and caregivers
Health officials have urged parents and caregivers to carefully check infant formula products at home and immediately stop using any batches included in recall notices.
“Testing of recalled formula confirmed the presence of the toxin in some batches at levels exceeding safety limits and posing a potential health risk,” said Gauri Godbole, Deputy Director of Gastrointestinal Infections at UKHSA.
Nestlé has expressed regret over the incidents and said it is cooperating with authorities while reviewing its ingredient sourcing and safety procedures.
Officials say ensuring strict quality controls in infant nutrition products remains essential to protect the health and safety of babies.