A joint investigation by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and manufacturers has revealed that a third-party ingredient supplier was at the root of recent product recalls. Nestlé and Danone, two of the world’s largest producers of infant formula, have both issued recalls this month due to possible contamination with cereulide, a toxin known to cause vomiting and stomach cramps.
The products, sold under the SMA and Aptamil brands, are commonly used by parents and carers across the UK and beyond. Though only one batch of Aptamil was recalled in the UK, both companies have confirmed that further products in other countries may have been affected.
Contamination Traced to Shared Supplier
According to the Food Standards Agency, investigations have confirmed that the contamination found in both Nestlé and Danone formulas originated from the same third-party ingredient supplier. On 6 January, Nestlé recalled several of its baby formula products over concerns they may contain the toxin. This included well-known lines such as SMA Advanced First Infant Milk and SMA Comfort.
Later in the month, on 23 January, Danone followed suit by recalling a specific batch of Aptamil First Infant Formula 800g, with a best-before date of 31 October 2026. The FSA confirmed that the recalled batch had tested positive for cereulide toxin in the UK, though other batches distributed abroad may also be implicated.
Jodie Wild, head of incidents at the FSA, said: “Ongoing investigations have identified that the contamination originated from a shared third-party ingredient supplier. If further recalls are needed, we will communicate these immediately.”
Cereulide, produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus, is a toxin known to cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. The symptoms can be particularly dangerous for infants, whose digestive systems are still developing.
Official Response and Ongoing Measures
The FSA has urged parents and carers not to use any of the affected products. “If you have any of the affected products, stop using them as soon as possible and switch to an alternative formula,” said Wild. She also advised that, in cases where the formula had been prescribed, individuals should consult a medical professional before making changes.
According to the FSA, the agency is now working urgently with manufacturers to trace all products that may have used ingredients from the shared supplier. In collaboration with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), local authorities and industry partners, the FSA is conducting sampling and further investigations to determine the full extent of the issue.
Nestlé has stated that it is confident there is no connection between the recall and reports of meningitis in one child, adding that cereulide does not cause or transmit such infections.
The agency continues to update its guidance and encourages families to sign up for alerts via food.gov.uk. Danone and Nestlé are also providing information on their respective websites regarding the affected batches and how to obtain replacements or refunds.
This development follows growing attention to the safety and transparency of the infant food industry. With parents relying on formula for critical nutrition in early life, even isolated incidents of contamination can prompt widespread concern and call for scrutiny of supply chains.
