More than 60 infants in the United Kingdom have fallen ill after consuming baby formula contaminated with cereulide, a heat-resistant toxin, prompting ongoing investigations by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The contamination, initially detected in products from Nestlé’s SMA range in January, has now been linked to batches from Danone’s Aptamil and Cow & Gate brands as well, affecting over 60 countries globally.
The UKHSA confirmed the number of affected babies on Thursday, March 5, 2026, stating that 35 of the infants were male and 26 were female. While some children also tested positive for common seasonal viruses, investigators are focusing on symptoms consistent with cereulide poisoning, including vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps. The agency acknowledged that current testing capabilities within the UK are limited in definitively confirming cereulide poisoning, but efforts are underway to address this.
The source of the contamination has been traced to an oil ingredient supplied by a third-party manufacturer used by both Nestlé and Danone. Both companies have since ceased using the supplier. Testing of recalled formula has revealed cereulide levels exceeding limits set by the European Food Safety Authority, posing a potential health risk to infants.
Parents are being urged to recheck their homes for recalled formula and discontinue its use, even if their child has not exhibited symptoms of illness. The Food Standards Agency initially issued the recall notice on January 5, 2026, with updates on January 6 and January 9 regarding batch expiry dates.
Chloe Fernandes, from Nottinghamshire, shared her experience with Sky News, detailing how her eight-month-old daughter, Rebecca, required hospital treatment after being fed a prescription-only SMA formula from a recalled batch. “Rebecca became very ill mid-December,” Fernandes said. “She had horrific diarrhoea and severe vomiting which led to her choking and needing to go to hospital.” Rebecca was treated for dehydration and has since recovered, but Fernandes emphasized the need for answers from manufacturers.
Stuart Smith, from Kent, recounted a “traumatising” experience with his son, Elis, who experienced persistent vomiting and failure to gain weight after being fed SMA formula. Elis was hospitalized and underwent numerous tests before the link to the recalled formula was established. “We felt guilty,” Smith told Sky News. “As new parents, your whole world focuses on keeping them safe, and to know that it was something so avoidable was awful.”
Nestlé issued a statement expressing regret over the cases and stating its teams would work closely with families reporting concerns. The company confirmed it is systematically testing all batches of ingredients from alternative suppliers to ensure the absence of cereulide. Danone North Europe stated that its products currently on sale are safe and that, to date, no confirmed cases of illness have been linked to its products.
The UKHSA’s investigation is ongoing, with no immediate resolution in sight. The agency has not yet confirmed the full extent of the impact or the long-term health consequences for affected infants.
