Urgent Baby Formula Recall After Toxic Ingredient Found

Parents are being urged to check their baby formula after a major recall was issued due to concerns over a potentially harmful toxin found in one batch of infant milk.

Aptamil First Infant Formula has been removed from sale after tests found possible contamination with cereulide, a toxin that can cause vomiting and serious stomach problems. Cereulide is known to be heat resistant, meaning it cannot be destroyed by cooking or boiling.

The Food Standards Agency has warned that symptoms can appear quickly after consumption and may include nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps. As a result, parents are being advised not to feed the affected product to infants under any circumstances.

The recall applies to all 800 gram packs with a batch code of 31 10 2026 and a best before date of 31 October 2026. Customers who have purchased this product are advised to return it to the store where it was bought, with or without a receipt, for a full refund.

For babies who rely on medically prescribed formula, parents are advised to speak to a pharmacist, GP or healthcare professional before switching to an alternative product.

Authorities say the contamination may be linked to an ingredient used in the base powder of the formula, known as ARA oil, which is produced in China. Similar precautionary recalls have also been reported in other countries, including Ireland, after alerts were shared through the European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed.

Manufacturer Danone said the recall was issued following updated guidance from food safety authorities and stressed that its products remain safe and compliant with regulations. In a statement, the company said it does not compromise on food safety and that routine testing had not identified risks in other products. However, it decided to withdraw a limited number of batches from specific markets as a precaution.

Health officials are continuing to monitor the situation and parents are encouraged to check packaging carefully and follow official recall advice.

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