Dangerous toxin discovered in recalled baby formula
A food safety watchdog has confirmed the presence of a toxin that causes food poisoning in some Nestle baby food products.
The food giant recalled several batches of SMA baby food and follow-on formulas earlier this month over concerns they contained the cereulide toxin.
When consumed, this toxin can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has confirmed that the affected ingredient in SMA products is arachidonic acid (ARA) oil.
This fat plays an important role in baby development and is added to formula to ensure that babies who are not breastfed receive it.
Jodie Wild, head of the FSA’s incident unit, said: “Ongoing investigations have established that the contamination was caused by a common, third-party ingredient supplier.
“The component affected is a fat called arachidonic acid (ARA).
“We are urgently pursuing any products that may have used components from this supplier to ensure that the affected products are removed from sale.”
Nestle products affected by the recall include: SMA Advanced First Infant Milk; SMA Advanced Follow-on Milk; SMA Anti Reflux; SMA Alfamino; SMA First Baby Milk; SMA Small Steps First Baby Milk; SMA Comfort; and SMA is Lactose Free.
On January 23, Danone also recalled a batch of its Aptamil baby food product due to concerns that it may contain cerulide.
At the time, the FSA said only one batch sold in the UK was affected, but other batches in other countries were also affected.
Earlier this week, it was revealed that the contamination that led to both recalls originated from a common third-party ingredient supplier.
Ms Wild added: “Both recalls are due to the presence of cereulide, a toxin that can cause vomiting and nausea. If further recalls are needed, we will announce these immediately.”
The FSA has urged people who have any affected products to stop using them and switch to an alternative and to contact their GP or NHS 111 if their baby has already consumed this formula.
If the formula is prescribed, parents should speak to a pharmacist or doctor before switching formula, the FSA said.
You can find more details about which batches have been recalled at food.gov.uk or on the Nestle website.
