At least 36 babies and young children across the UK have fallen ill after consuming batches of baby formula that have now been recalled, health authorities have confirmed.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the children developed symptoms consistent with cereulide toxin poisoning, triggering urgent investigations and public safety warnings.
The reports cover England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Crown Dependencies, raising serious concerns for parents who rely on infant formula as a daily necessity.
What happened in the UK baby formula recall case?
The UKHSA confirmed it is reviewing 36 clinical reports involving babies and toddlers who became unwell after drinking formula linked to the recall.
Officials say the symptoms match what doctors normally associate with exposure to the cereulide toxin, which can cause sudden stomach illness.
The cases have been reported across the UK, with England recording the highest number. The geographical spread suggests the affected products may have been widely sold before the recall took effect.
Why does this baby formula recall matter for UK families?
This situation matters because infant formula is often the main source of nutrition for babies, especially in the first year of life.
Even short-term illness can become serious quickly in infants, mainly because dehydration can happen fast, and babies cannot communicate discomfort clearly.
While authorities have not confirmed severe long-term harm, the number of reports has raised concern among NHS professionals and parents, particularly those with newborns and medically vulnerable children.
What is cereulide toxin, and why is it risky for babies?
Cereulide is a toxin linked to the bacterium Bacillus cereus. It can cause symptoms that look like food poisoning, including vomiting and stomach cramps.
What makes cereulide more worrying than ordinary contamination is that toxins can remain harmful even when the bacteria itself is no longer active.
In babies, even mild vomiting can quickly lead to dehydration, which may require medical treatment. That is why UK public health bodies treat suspected toxin exposure in infant products as a high-priority risk.
Which brands are involved in the baby formula recall?
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) confirmed that Nestlé began a precautionary recall on 5 January, involving several batches of SMA Infant Formula and Follow-On Formula products.
The recall information was later updated on 9 January, with additional expiry date details added. On 24 January, Danone also recalled one batch of Aptamil First Infant Formula after contamination concerns were identified.
These products are sold across the UK in supermarkets, pharmacies, and online retail channels, meaning many families may still have tins stored at home.
How many children have been affected so far?
The UKHSA said it has received 36 reports in total. Health officials recorded cases across all UK nations, including a small number outside mainland Britain.
The breakdown is as follows:
- England: 24 cases
- Scotland: 7 cases
- Wales: 3 cases
- Northern Ireland: 1 case
- Crown Dependencies: 1 case
Although 36 cases may seem small compared to the total number of babies who use formula daily, experts say the figure is still significant because infant illness linked to a recalled product requires urgent monitoring and investigation.
What should parents do if they bought the recalled formula?
Health authorities are advising parents to act quickly but calmly. The key step is to stop using any recalled tins immediately and check the batch codes and expiry dates listed in official recall notices.
Parents should also watch for signs of illness after feeding. Common symptoms linked to toxin exposure include repeated vomiting, stomach discomfort, and diarrhoea. In babies, dehydration can happen quickly, so early action matters.
If a baby becomes unwell after consuming formula, parents should contact NHS services for advice, especially if symptoms worsen or continue.
Parents should take immediate steps such as:
- Stop using the affected formula
- Check batch codes and expiry dates on packaging
- Return recalled products to retailers for a refund
- Seek medical advice through NHS 111 or a GP if symptoms appear
What are the UK authorities doing now?
The UKHSA, alongside the FSA and partner agencies, is continuing to investigate the reported cases.
Officials are reviewing product testing results, clinical reports, and supply chain information to confirm the source of contamination and whether any additional products may be affected.
Retailers have also been instructed to remove recalled batches from shelves. Investigators will likely focus on ingredient sourcing, manufacturing hygiene checks, and quality control records to determine how the suspected toxin entered the supply chain.
