At a glance
36 clinical notifications of infant illness reported in the UK
Linked to recalled powdered infant formula
Concern involves cereulide, a heat-stable toxin
Recalls issued by Nestlé and Danone
No severe illness reported so far
Written By: Pharmacally Medical News Desk
UK health authorities are investigating 36 clinical notifications of infants falling ill after consuming recalled powdered infant formula potentially contaminated with cereulide, a toxin produced by Bacillus cereus. The cases were highlighted by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and cited in a report published by the BMJ
UKHSA said all affected children were under one year of age. There have been no reports of severe illness, with symptoms mainly limited to vomiting and diarrhoea.
Surveillance findings and early alerts
UKHSA explained that the 36 reports are clinical notifications, meaning infants presented with symptoms consistent with possible cereulide exposure. These reports triggered enhanced surveillance and follow-up investigations. Authorities said current data do not indicate an unusual seasonal rise in gastrointestinal illness among infants, but monitoring continues.
Recalls by major manufacturers
The investigation follows recalls issued in January and February 2026 by major formula manufacturers, including Nestlé and Danone.
Nestlé recalled dozens of batches of SMA Infant Formula and Follow-On Formula across multiple pack sizes after testing identified possible cereulide presence. Affected products carried best-before dates from October 2026 to November 2027.
On 6 February, Danone expanded its recall to include additional batches of Aptamil and Cow & Gate first infant and follow-on formula. The move was precautionary and followed concerns over potential contamination.
Why cereulide is a concern
Cereulide is a heat-stable toxin that can persist even when formula is prepared as per NHS guidance. Exposure may cause rapid-onset vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps, and diarrhoea, with infants particularly vulnerable to dehydration.
Case distribution and investigation status
Most reported cases occurred in England, with smaller numbers in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and a Crown Dependency. UKHSA said most infants had consumed products later included in recall notices, with only a few cases linked to other causes such as seasonal viral infections.
Health officials said the pattern of reports aligns with product distribution before recalls were issued. Investigations into exposure history and manufacturing links remain ongoing.
Supply-chain focus
Regulators are examining a shared ingredient used across multiple formulas, with early findings pointing to a contaminated batch of arachidonic acid (ARA) oil supplied by a third-party manufacturer. Because the ingredient is widely used, authorities believe it may explain why multiple brands were affected at the same time.
The FSA said it is working closely with manufacturers to trace affected batches and prevent further exposure.
Advice to parents and clinicians
The FSA has advised parents and caregivers to stop using recalled products immediately, check batch codes, and dispose of affected formula. Medical advice should be sought via a GP or NHS 111 if symptoms develop.
Parents using prescribed specialist formulas are advised to consult pharmacists or clinicians before switching products. Clinicians have also been asked to report suspected cases promptly to support surveillance.
BMJ expert commentary
In its report, the BMJ highlighted expert concern about the non-sterile nature of powdered infant formula and the risks associated with globally sourced ingredients. Experts called for stronger microbial testing, routine cereulide screening, and tighter supply-chain controls to reduce the risk of future incidents.
References
Investigation of Infant Formula and Follow-On Formula recall due to possible cereulide toxin contamination, Research and analysis HPR volume 20 issue 1: news (29 January and 5 February 2026), UK Health Security Agency, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-protection-report-volume-20-2026/hpr-volume-20-issue-1-news-29-january-2026
Nestlé recalls several SMA Infant Formula and Follow-On Formula as a precaution because of the possible presence of cereulide (toxin), 06 January 2026, https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-02-2026
Danone recalls Aptamil First Infant Formula because cereulide (toxin) has been found in this batch, 06 February 2026, https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-03-2026
36 UK infants ill after drinking contaminated baby formula, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c931rxnwn3lo
UK health body says 36 cases of toxin poisoning linked to baby formula, 05 February 2026, The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/05/uk-health-body-says-36-cases-of-toxin-poisoning-linked-to-baby-formula
Infant formula poisonings: 36 cases reported in UK as experts issue advice to doctors, BMJ 2026; 392 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.s256 (Published 06 February 2026)