Caregivers of babies and infants are informed that there are batches of infant milk products that have been recalled as a precaution due to the possible presence of cereulide (toxin). This toxin presence would make these products unsafe for your baby to drink.
- Nestle has recalled several SMA Infant Formula and Follow-On Formula products.
- Danone has recalled several Aptamil and Cow & Gate First Infant Milk and Follow on Milk formula products.
Users of these brands are advised to check the Food Standards Agency website to see if the product they have has been listed in the recall. If it is one of the affected batches listed, they are advised to stop using it immediately, even if their baby seems well.
The name of the product and the best before date will identify if the product is recalled. This is the link to the recall lists: https://www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/infant-formula-recalls#affected-infant-formula
Where can I check if the infant milk product I use is recalled?
This list can be found on the Food Standards Agency’s website: https://www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/infant-formula-recalls
Changing formula if your usual brand isn’t available
It is safe to change to an alternative brand of first stage infant formula milk if a your usual brand has been affected or is unavailable.
What is Cereulide?
Cereulide is a toxin produced by some strains of Bacillus cereus. Cereulide is highly heat stable meaning it is unlikely to be deactivated or destroyed by cooking, using boiling water or when making the infant milk. If consumed it can lead to rapid onset of symptoms within 0.5 – 6 hours of consumption.
What are the symptoms if an infant has ingested cereulide?
Symptoms caused by this toxin include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhoea.
Illness is usually short lived with recovery expected within 24 hours. The main concern is dehydration. There have been some rare cases of more serious illness.
Even if symptoms do not arise, the products identified should not be consumed.
What should I do if I have given my baby some of the recalled product?
If you have fed any of the recalled formula products to an infant and have any concerns about symptoms, you should seek advice from healthcare professionals, using the most appropriate route (i.e. contact your GP or call NHS111). If you believe that your infant is very unwell you should seek urgent advice.
If the formula was prescribed by a health professional, consult a pharmacist or other medical professional before changing formula.
What should I do with my recalled product?
Please see the Food Standards Agency website for instructions and information on what you can do with your recalled product. See the Food Standards Agency’s website. https://www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/infant-formula-recalls
Where can I go for further information on formula feeding and wider infant feeding support?
In addition to information from your midwife, health visitor, or family nurse, information about feeding you baby can be found via NHS Inform here: https://www.nhsinform.scot/ready-steady-baby/labour-and-birth/meeting-your-new-baby/feeding-with-infant-formula/
There are also additional resources and groups available. Please see below.
The Parent Club:
The NHS GGC Healthy Happy Tots APP:
Ready Steady Baby!:
Public Health Scotland
- Off to a good start: all you need to know about breastfeeding – Publications – Public Health Scotland
- Formula feeding: How to feed your baby safely – Publications – Public Health Scotland
Breastfeeding and Infant feeding support groups
- NHSGGC and the Breast Feeding Network have a range of face-to-face infant feeding support groups running each week as well as online support groups.
- Breastfeeding Network Greater Glasgow and Clyde | Paisley | Facebook
- BfN Greater Glasgow and Clyde | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree
- Parent Club. Finding breastfeeding support | Parent Club
- The HV Happy Healthy Tots App Local Information | Right Decisions
The National Breastfeeding Helpline is open 24 hrs per day, 365 days per year
Breastfeeding Network also provide monthly online antenatal breastfeeding sessions.
