Dozens of children suffer toxin poisoning symptoms following baby formula recall
The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) said there were 36 clinical reports of children showing symptoms consistent with toxin poisoning in connection with recently recalled baby formula.
Last month food and beverage giant Nestle recalled more than 60 batches of its SMA formula due to concerns over the presence of cerulidine, a heat-stable toxin that can cause symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea.
Following the recall, which included powdered and pre-mixed formula for babies and young children, the UKHSA said it had received reports from 24 cases in England, seven in Scotland, three in Wales, one in Northern Ireland and one in the Crown Dependencies, of children who consumed the relevant batches developing symptoms consistent with cerulide toxin poisoning.
On Friday, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) confirmed that arachidonic acid (ARA) oil, which is vital for baby development and added to formula for non-breastfed babies, was the affected ingredient.
The latest batch to be recalled is an 800g pack of SMA Advanced First Baby Milk (best before December 2027, marked 53390346AB), which the FSA confirmed was only distributed in Northern Ireland.
Other Nestle products affected by the recall include: SMA Advanced Follow-on Milk; SMA Anti Reflux; SMA Alfamino; SMA First Baby Milk; SMA Small Steps First Baby Milk; SMA Comfort and SMA 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.
Last week, it was revealed that the contamination that led to both recalls originated from a common third-party ingredient supplier.
The FSA has urged people who have any affected products to stop using them, switch to an alternative and contact their doctor or NHS 111 if their baby has already consumed the formula.
The UKHSA said Bacillus cereus is a spore-forming bacteria that can contaminate a variety of food products, and when allowed to grow, some strains can produce cerulide toxin.
Symptoms of Bacillus cereus food poisoning and cereulide toxin poisoning are most commonly vomiting but may also include stomach cramping and diarrhea.
Symptoms usually have a rapid onset between 15 minutes and 6 hours after ingestion.
They usually resolve within 24 hours provided there is no sustained exposure to the toxin.
The UKHSA said ingestion of the toxin rarely caused more serious illness, but “a few” cases of liver or kidney damage, muscle breakdown and multiple organ failure had been reported.
People at increased risk of complications include young children and those with weakened immune systems.
The FSA continues to investigate the source of the pollution.
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