UK health authorities have linked recent baby formula recalls to 36 cases of suspected toxin poisoning in children.
The UK Health Security Agency said it had received reports of children developing symptoms consistent with cereulide toxin poisoning after consuming affected products.
The agency said 24 cases were reported in England, seven in Scotland, three in Wales, one in Northern Ireland and one from the Crown Dependencies.
On 5 January, the Food Standards Agency confirmed that Nestlé had begun a precautionary recall of several batches of its SMA infant and follow-on formula products due to possible contamination.
The recall was updated on 9 January to include additional expiry dates. Cereulide toxin can cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps if ingested.
On 24 January, Danone recalled one batch of Aptamil First Infant Formula after detecting possible cereulide contamination.
Earlier this week, another Nestlé product was added to the recall list following further testing. The FSA said the affected ingredient was arachidonic acid (ARA) oil, which is added to formula to support infant development.
The latest recall includes 800g packs of SMA Advanced First Infant Milk with a best-before date of December 2027 and batch code 53390346AB. The product was distributed only in Northern Ireland.
Health officials said children who consumed the affected batches experienced symptoms consistent with food toxin exposure, including vomiting and stomach pain.
In a statement, Nestlé said there were no confirmed cases of illness directly linked to its products but that the recalls were being carried out “out of an abundance of caution”.
The Food Standards Agency has advised parents and carers to check product batch numbers carefully and not to use any formula included in the recall notices.
Consumers have been urged to return affected products to retailers for a refund and to seek medical advice if children show symptoms after consuming the formula.