Danone, the global baby formula manufacturer, has significantly expanded its product recall in the UK, now removing 15 different infant milk formulas from shelves due to serious toxin contamination concerns. The urgent safety action affects multiple Aptamil and Cow & Gate First Infant Milk and Follow on Milk products, with health authorities warning parents to immediately stop using affected batches.
Extended Recall Following Health Investigation
The latest recall announcement on February 6th represents a substantial extension of the original Food Standards Agency (FSA) alert issued on January 23rd. This escalation comes directly from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which has confirmed 36 clinical reports of children exhibiting symptoms consistent with toxin poisoning linked to recent baby formula recalls. A comprehensive investigation into these cases is now actively underway.
Understanding the Cereulide Toxin Risk
The FSA has published detailed risk statements explaining that the recalled products may contain cereulide, a dangerous toxin produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus bacteria. This particular toxin presents significant health concerns because of its remarkable heat stability. Unlike many contaminants that cooking can neutralise, cereulide remains active even when parents prepare infant milk according to NHS guidelines.
Consumption of this toxin can trigger rapid onset symptoms including:
- Severe nausea
- Persistent vomiting
- Abdominal cramps and discomfort
Specific Recall Instructions for Parents
Aptamil Product Recall Procedure
The Food Standards Agency provides clear guidance for Aptamil product owners. Parents who have purchased any of the recalled formulas should immediately cease feeding them to babies and return the products to their place of purchase for a full refund, regardless of whether they have retained their receipt. For detailed batch information and affected product verification, customers should visit aptaclub.co.uk or contact the Aptamil Careline team directly on 0800 996 1000.
Cow & Gate Recall Protocol
Similarly, Cow & Gate product owners must not use any recalled formulas and should return them to retailers for complete reimbursement, with or without proof of purchase. To determine whether specific batches are affected, parents can check cgbabyclub.co.uk or speak with the Cow & Gate Careline team on 0800 977 8880 for personalised assistance and information.
Critical Health Advice for All Parents
Health authorities emphasise that even if babies have not shown immediate signs of illness after consuming these products, parents must discontinue use immediately. The FSA recall notice states unequivocally that continuing to use potentially contaminated formula poses unacceptable risks. Parents who have already fed affected products to their children and have health concerns should seek professional medical advice through appropriate channels, including contacting their GP or calling NHS 111 for urgent guidance.
Complete List of Recalled Danone Products
The expanded recall now encompasses fifteen different baby formula products across the Aptamil and Cow & Gate ranges:
- Aptamil 1 First Infant Milk
- Aptamil 1 First Infant Milk (additional variant)
- Cow & Gate 1 First Infant Milk
- Cow & Gate 1 First Infant Milk Big Pack
- Cow & Gate 1 First Infant Milk Hungry
- Cow & Gate 1 First Infant Milk (further variant)
- Cow & Gate Anti-Reflux formula
- Aptamil 1 First Infant Milk Big Pack
- Aptamil 1 First Infant Milk Hungry
- Aptamil 1 First Infant Milk Pre-measured Tabs
- Aptamil 2 Follow On Milk
- Aptamil 2 Follow On Milk (additional variant)
- Aptamil 2 Follow On Milk Big Pack
- Aptamil 2 Follow On Milk Pre-measured Tabs
- Cow & Gate 1 First Infant Milk (final variant)
This comprehensive recall represents one of the most significant infant formula safety actions in recent UK history, with health authorities urging all parents to check their formula purchases carefully and follow official guidance to protect children's health.
