UKHSA investigating 36 cases of children falling ill linked to recalled batches of baby formula

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed it is investigating 36 cases of children falling ill after being fed now-recalled batches of baby formula. 

Last month, food and drink giant Nestle recalled more than 60 batches of its SMA formula due to concerns about the presence of a heat-resistant toxin, cereulide, which can cause symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea.

Producer Danone also recalled one batch of its Aptamil formula.

Following the recall, which included powdered and premixed formulas for babies and toddlers, the UKHSA says it has "received 36 clinical notifications of children developing symptoms consistent with cereulide toxin poisoning across the UK, after consuming implicated batches".

It added: "Given the widespread availability of the affected products prior to the recall and subsequent testing from the FSA identifying the toxin in batches of recalled formula, this is not unexpected."

Investigations are ongoing.

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A Nestle spokesperson said: "We are very sorry to hear about these cases and our teams will work closely with any families who report these types of concerns to us.

"We continue to ask parents to check the batch codes of recalled products against our recall notice and thank all those who have contacted us so far.

"Quality and safety is non-negotiable and that is why we have acted quickly with this precautionary recall.

"We would remind anyone with any health concerns to contact a healthcare professional and apologise again that we have had to take this action."

Paste BN has contacted Danone for comment.