The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it and partner agencies had received 24 notifications in England, seven in Scotland, three in Wales, one in Northern Ireland and one from the Crown Dependencies of children who had consumed implicated batches developing symptoms consistent with cereulide toxin poisoning.
On January 5, the Food Standards Agency confirmed that Nestle was undertaking a precautionary product recall of several batches of 12 SMA Infant Formula and Follow-On Formula products in the UK due to the possible presence of the cereulide toxin.
The recall was updated with new product expiry dates on January 9.
On January 24, Danone – another infant formula retailer – recalled one batch of Aptamil First Infant Formula with a best before date of October 2026 because of cereulide contamination.
The toxin can cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps, and is unsafe to consume.
It is produced by some strains of Bacillus cereus and is highly heat stable meaning it is unlikely to be destroyed by cooking, or when making the infant milk.
Jane Rawling, head of incidents at the FSA, said: “FSA’s advice is that parents, guardians and caregivers should not feed infants or young children with these products.
“Cereulide is a toxin produced by food poisoning bacteria Bacillus Cereus, and can cause food poisoning symptoms which can be quick to develop and include vomiting, and stomach cramps.
“I want to reassure parents, guardians and caregivers that we are taking urgent action, helping to ensure all of the affected product is removed from sale as a precaution.
“If you have fed this product to a baby and have any concerns about potential health impact, you should seek advice from healthcare professionals by contacting your GP or calling NHS 111.”
These are the Nestle products being recalled:
SMA First Infant Milk – 800g
53390346AB – Best Before December 2027 (only sold in Northern Ireland)
SMA Advanced First Infant Milk – 800g
51450742F1, 52319722BA, 52819722AA – Best Before May 2027
SMA Advanced Follow-On Milk – 800g
51240742F2 – Best Before May 2027
51890742F2, 52879722AA – Best Before July 2027
SMA Anti Reflux – 800g
52099722BA – Best Before April 2027
51570742F3, 52099722BB, 52739722BA – Best Before June 2027
SMA ALFAMINO – 400g
51200017Y3 – Best Before April 2027
51210017Y1, 51220017Y1, 51250017Y1, 51390017Y1, 51420017Y2, 51430017Y1, 51460017Y1 – Best Before May 2027
51690017Y2, 51690017Y3, 51700017Y1, 51710017Y1, 51740017Y1 – Best Before July 2027
52760017Y5, 52790017Y1, 52860017Y1 – Best Before October 2027
53100017Y3, 53110017Y1, 53140017Y1, 53140017Y2, 53150017Y1 – Best Before November 2027
SMA First Infant Milk – 800g
51170346AA, 51170346AB – Best Before April 2027
51340346AB – Best Before May 2027
51580346AA, 51590346AA, 51590346AB – Best Before June 2027
52760346AB, 52760346AD, 52780346AA, 52750346AE – Best Before October 2027
SMA First Infant Milk – 400g
51350346AA – Best Before May 2027
52750346AD – Best Before October 2027
SMA First Infant Milk – 1.2kg
51340346BE – Best Before November 2026
52740346BA, 52750346BA – Best Before April 2027
SMA LITTLE STEPS First Infant Milk – 800g
51220346AD – Best Before May 2027
51540346AC – Best Before June 2027
52740346AD – Best Before October 2027
SMA Comfort – 800g
51240742F3, 51439722BA, 51479722BA, 51769722BA, 52049722AA – Best Before May 2027
52620742F3 – Best Before September 2027
SMA First Infant Milk – 200ml
52860295M, 52870295M, 52870295M, 53030295M, 53040295M – Best Before October 2026
53220295M, 53230295M, 53070295M, 53080295M – Best Before November 2026
SMA First Infant Milk – 70ml
53170742B1 – November 2026
SMA Lactose Free – 400g
51150346AB, 51719722BA, 51759722BA, 51829722BA, 51979722BA, 52109722BA, 53459722BA – Best Before April 2027
51500346AB – Best Before May 2027
53299722BA – Best Before August 2027
In a statement, Nestle said: “Following the detection of a quality issue with an ingredient provided by a leading supplier, Nestle has undertaken testing of all arachidonic acid (ARA) oil and corresponding oil mixes used in the production of potentially impacted infant nutrition products.
“No illnesses have been confirmed in connection with the products involved to date.
“The company is in contact with UK authorities and as a precautionary measure, is voluntarily recalling specific batches of its SMA infant formula and follow-on formula.
“Nestle assures parents and caregivers that it is implementing appropriate actions to safeguard the health and wellbeing of families and their babies.
“At the same time, the company is working to minimise any potential supply disruption.
“Nestle remains committed to keeping parents, caregivers and the public informed and to providing clear, transparent information and support throughout this process.”
A Danone spokesman added: “It was sold in May – July 2025. The expiry date, batch and time can be found on the lower back of the pack.
“No other batches are affected by this notice.
“Customers who still have products from this batch can return it to the shop where they bought it for a full refund with or without a receipt.”