A MAJOR baby formula brand sold in Boots has been urgently recalled over a harmful toxin.
A batch of Aptamil has been pulled from the shelves due to the risk it will cause food poisoning symptoms including vomiting and stomach cramps.
The Aptamil First Infant Formula (800g) has been recalled because cereulide, a toxin produced by a pathogen, Bacillus cereus, has been found.
Only one batch, 31-10-2026 with a best-before date of 31 October 2026, sold in the UK is affected, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) said.
Concerned parents are urged to contact their GPs if their babies consumed this batch and are showing any symptoms.
If any families have formula from this batch left, they should throw it out immediately.
Only one batch containing the toxic was distributed in the UK, but several were sent to other countries.
Darren Whitby, head of incidents and resilience at the FSA said: “We want to make parents, guardians and caregivers aware that Danone has recalled a batch of Aptamil First Infant Formula (800g).
“Only one batch sold in the UK is affected. If you have purchased batch 31-10-2026 of Aptamil First Infant Formula 800g, with a best-before date of 31 October 2026, the FSA’s advice is that you should not feed infants or young children with this product.
“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 NHS111.
“Danone has recalled this product because cereulide, a toxin produced by a pathogen, Bacillus cereus, has been found in the batch. Only one batch of the Aptamil First Instant Formula has been distributed to the UK.
“However, there are additional batches in other countries that are also affected.”
He added: “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.
“The advice from the NHS and the Department of Health and Social Care is to switch to a different formula.
“If it has been prescribed, speak to your GP, health visitor, or contact NHS 111. You can check the full list of affected products and batch codes on the FSA’s website.”
The formula was sold in popular high street shop Boots, which said anyone who bought this batch can return it – with or without a receipt.
Boots said on Facebook: “IMPORTANT PRODUCT RECALL NOTICE
APTAMIL FIRST INFANT FORMULA 800g. Batches with the expiry date: 31/10/2026.
“As a precaution, an isolated batch of Aptamil Infant Formula 800g has been recalled.
“Customers who have bought this product can return it to the store they bought it for a full refund. With or without a receipt.
“If you have any questions, the Aptamil Careline team are available on 0800 996 1000 or via their website: https://aptaclub.co.uk.
“Batches were sold in May – July 2025, with the expiry date of 31/10/2026. No other batches are affected by this notice.”
What is Bacillus cereus?
What is Bacillus cereus?
Bacillus cereus is a bacteria that is found in soil and dust.
Although Bacillus cereus is not as common as some other bacteria that cause food borne illness, it can be specific in the types of food it contaminates. The most common food associated with Bacillus cereus is rice.
It may also be found in other foods such as:
- pasta
- corn flour
- vanilla and herbs and spices
- couscous and bulgur wheat
What are the effects or symptoms of eating contaminated food?
The most common toxin or poison formed by this bacteria causes vomiting and abdominal pain.
The symptoms may start one to six hours after eating contaminated food.
The poison is not passed from one person to another and symptoms don’t usually last longer than a day.
Some Bacillus cereus bacteria may produce poison that causes fever and diarrhoea.
The symptoms, which may be serious, usually start six to 24 hours after eating and can last for one or two days.
Source; bromley.gov.uk
This comes after Nestle also issued a global recall of baby formula products over safety concerns.
The food and beverage company said specific batches of its SMA infant formula and follow-on formula may also contain a toxin which can cause food poisoning.
The affected batches were sold across the world, Nestle said, and they are not safe to be fed to babies.
According to the food giant, these products potentially contain cereulide, which can cause nausea and vomiting when consumed.
While the company said there had been no confirmed reports of illness associated with the products, it clarified it was recalling them “out of an abundance of caution”.
“The safety and wellbeing of babies is our absolute priority,” the firm said in a statement.
“We sincerely apologise for any concern or inconvenience caused to parents, caregivers, and customers.”
