An Aptamil infant formula recall has been issued across the UK after a harmful toxin was detected in a specific batch of baby milk sold in major retailers.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) confirmed the recall on public health grounds, warning parents not to feed the affected product to babies.
The recall affects Aptamil First Infant Formula (800g) sold between May and July 2025, with a use-by date of 31 October 2026.
Manufacturer Danone has acted after tests found cereulide toxin, which can cause rapid-onset food poisoning. The issue was identified in the UK, and no other Aptamil products or batches are currently affected.
What is the Aptamil infant formula recall, and which products are affected?
The Aptamil infant formula recall applies only to:
- Product: Aptamil First Infant Formula
- Pack size: 800g
- Expiry date: 31/10/2026
- Sales period: May–July 2025 (UK only)
According to the Food Standards Agency, the recall is precautionary but urgent. Retailers have removed the product from shelves, and point-of-sale notices are now displayed in affected stores across the UK.
There’s yet another infant formula recall 😩
This time it’s #Aptamil
If you live in Europe and use Aptamil for your baby, please check this recall details ASAP.
Sharing because parents deserve to safeguard their child. https://t.co/1kX6hRvIDv
— Chika (@chikkyfoodsafe) January 24, 2026
Food Standards Agency statement: “The presence of cereulide (toxin) makes this product unsafe to consume.”
Why is cereulide toxin dangerous for babies?
Cereulide is a toxin produced by some strains of Bacillus cereus. It is particularly dangerous because:
- It can cause nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps
- Symptoms can appear quickly after consumption
- The toxin is heat-stable, meaning boiling water or correct formula preparation does not destroy it
The FSA stressed that even following NHS-approved preparation guidelines would not remove the risk.
FSA risk assessment: “Cereulide is highly heat stable and unlikely to be deactivated during normal preparation of infant milk.”
What should parents and carers do if they bought the recalled Aptamil formula?
Parents and carers who have purchased the affected product should:
- Stop using it immediately
- Do not feed it to babies
- Return it to the store where it was bought for a full refund, even without a receipt
For families whose infant formula was prescribed by a GP, midwife, or health visitor, Danone and the FSA advise seeking professional advice before switching formula.
If a baby has already consumed the product and shows symptoms such as vomiting or severe discomfort, parents should contact NHS 111, a GP, or seek urgent medical advice.
How widespread is the Aptamil infant formula recall in the UK?
The FSA confirmed that the affected batch was distributed nationally but only during a limited timeframe. Importantly:
- No illnesses have been officially confirmed at the time of publication
- No other Aptamil formulas or expiry dates are affected
- The recall applies only to the UK market
Danone said it is cooperating fully with regulators and has strengthened internal checks.
What does this recall say about infant formula safety in the UK?
UK food safety rules remain among the strictest in Europe, with mandatory reporting and fast recall systems. Experts say the speed of the Aptamil infant formula recall shows the system working as intended.
A short discussion on UK parenting forums and Reddit has highlighted concern, but also reassurance that the issue was caught early.
