Dozens of children are reported to have been experiencing symptoms of toxin poisoning after the recall of various baby formulas, the UK Health Security Agency has said.
The reports follow the Food Standards Agency confirming the recall of several batches of Nestlé infant formula and follow-on formula products on 5 January due to the possible presence of the cereulide toxin.
The UKHSA has been made aware of 36 cases of children developing symptoms consistent with cereulide toxin poisoning across the UK, including 24 in England, after consuming baby formula from the affected batches.
On 24 January, Danone, another infant formula retailer, recalled one batch of its Aptamil first infant formula due to the same toxin. Last week, the FSA confirmed the presence of the toxin in some Nestlé products, with the problem ingredient having been identified as arachidonic acid oil.
Gauri Godbole, the deputy director of gastrointestinal infections, food safety and one health at the UKHSA, said the reports of children with these symptoms were not unexpected due to the “widespread availability of the affected products prior to the recall”.
She added: “Current surveillance indicators do not show unusual increases in reports of vomiting in children under the age of one for this time of year, but UKHSA are monitoring these outputs and continue to investigate the public health implications of this recall, including the impact of the toxin on children.
“Parents and caregivers are advised to recheck and remove all recalled formula from their homes to prevent illness in their children.”
Bacillus cereus is a type of bacteria that can contaminate food. It produces the cereulide toxin, causing symptoms such as vomiting, stomach cramping and diarrhoea. Symptoms usually have a rapid onset, between 15 minutes to six hours after ingestion. They usually resolve within 24 hours providing there is no ongoing exposure to the toxin.
The FSA has urged the public if they have any of the affected products to stop using them, switch to an alternative and contact their GP or NHS 111 if their baby has already consumed the formula.
Those at high risk of complications due to the poisoning include young children and immunocompromised people.
