A recent investigation by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has identified a shared ingredient supplier as the source of contamination behind two separate baby formula recalls in the UK this month. The recalls affected products from Nestle and Danone, including SMA and Aptamil baby formula. The contamination was caused by the presence of cereulide, a toxin that can cause vomiting, stomach cramps, nausea, and abdominal cramps if consumed.
The FSA’s investigation found that the contamination originated from a single third-party ingredient supplier, which provided ingredients to both Nestle and Danone. As a result, Danone recalled a batch of its Aptamil baby formula product, while Nestle recalled several of its SMA baby formula products. The affected batches were sold in the UK, with additional batches also affected in other countries.
The FSA is working urgently with manufacturers to trace all products that may have used ingredients from this supplier and ensure that all affected products are removed from sale. The agency is also working with the UK Health Security Agency, local authorities, and industry partners to conduct sampling and testing, and will update the public when the results are available.
Parents who have purchased the affected products are advised to stop using them immediately and switch to an alternative formula. If the formula was prescribed by a health professional, parents should consult a pharmacist or other medical professional before changing. The FSA also encourages parents to sign up for its food alerts at food.gov.uk to stay up to date with the latest information.
The affected products include:
* Danone Aptamil First Infant Formula 800g, batch 31-10-2026, with a best-before date of October 31, 2026
* Nestle SMA Advanced First Infant Milk, SMA Advanced Follow-On Milk, SMA Anti Reflux, SMA Alfamino, SMA First Infant Milk, SMA Little Steps First Infant Milk, SMA Comfort, and SMA Lactose Free (specific batch numbers can be found on food.gov.uk or the Nestle website)
The FSA is taking steps to ensure that all affected products are removed from sale and that parents are informed of the recall. Parents who have concerns or questions can contact their GP or NHS 111 for advice.