Parents across the United Kingdom are being urgently warned about a significant product recall affecting a popular infant formula. Danone has issued a recall for its Aptamil First Infant Formula 800g, which is sold in major supermarkets and pharmacies including Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's, and Boots.
Immediate Health Warning for Parents and Caregivers
The recall has been initiated after testing revealed the presence of cereulide, a dangerous toxin produced by the food poisoning bacteria Bacillus cereus. This substance can cause rapid-onset food poisoning symptoms in infants and young children, primarily vomiting and stomach cramps.
It is absolutely essential that parents immediately stop using this product if they have the affected batch, even if their child is not currently showing any signs of illness. The toxin can cause serious health complications in vulnerable infants.
Identifying the Affected Product
The specific batch being recalled can be identified by the code 31-10-2026 and has a best-before date of October 31, 2026. This batch was sold in UK stores between May and July of last year, meaning some families may still have it in their homes.
According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), which oversees food safety in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, this product is only available in the UK market. Consumers who have purchased this batch are advised to return it to the store where it was bought, with or without a receipt, for a full refund.
Official Guidance from Food Safety Authorities
Darren Whitby, head of incidents and resilience at the FSA, provided clear guidance for concerned parents: "We want to make parents, guardians and caregivers aware that Danone has recalled a batch of Aptamil First Infant Formula. If you have purchased this specific batch, our advice is that you should not feed infants or young children with this product."
He further emphasized: "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 by calling NHS 111."
Broader Impact on Infant Formula Market
The recall has had wider implications beyond the Aptamil product. Nestlé has also announced recalls of some infant products across multiple countries following the detection of a quality issue in an ingredient supplied by a leading provider.
In a statement on their website, Nestlé explained: "Following the detection of a quality issue in an ingredient provided by a leading supplier, we have undertaken testing of all potentially affected infant formula products. We want to reassure parents and families: we are taking the necessary steps in impacted countries, in close alignment with authorities, to recall all potentially affected products."
The company stressed that these actions are being taken "to prioritize the health and wellbeing of families and their babies."
What Parents Should Do Now
The FSA, as the UK's primary food safety body responsible for ensuring food is safe and accurately labeled, has issued this alert as part of its standard procedure when products are deemed unsafe for consumption.
Parents and caregivers are advised to:
- Immediately check any Aptamil First Infant Formula 800g in their possession for batch code 31-10-2026
- Stop using the product immediately if it matches this description
- Return the product to the place of purchase for a refund
- Contact their GP or NHS 111 if they have already fed this product to their child and have health concerns
- Monitor their child for symptoms of food poisoning, particularly vomiting and stomach cramps
This recall serves as an important reminder for all parents to regularly check product recall notices and to remain vigilant about the safety of infant feeding products. The FSA continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as necessary to ensure public safety.
