NewsBeat
Cereulide poisoning in babies who drank recalled formula – everything we know so far
Need to know
A total of 36 children have become unwell across the UK after consuming the product with seven cases in Scotland.
Seven Scottish children have suffered toxic poisoning after ingesting recalled baby formula
- What happened?: Last month, 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. It comes after an ingredient contained in the produce was sourced from a single supplier in China that was contaminated with the dangerous toxin. The ingredient, arachidonic acid-rich (ARA) oil – which was exposed to a toxin called cereulide – was sourced from a Wuhan laboratory. It was added to hundreds of baby formula product lines before they were shipped out to more than 65 countries across five continents.
- How many kids across the UK are unwell? The UK Health Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed it has received a total of 36 notifications across the country of children becoming ill after consuming the product. There are seven cases in Scotland, 24 in England and three in Wales.
- What is the Cereulide toxin?: Cereulide is a highly heat-stable, vomit-inducing toxin produced by certain strains of the bacterium Bacillus cereus, often contaminating starchy foods, dairy, and infant formula. Bacillus cereus, the name of the bacteria that produces Cereulide, is a spore-forming bacterium that can contaminate a range of food products and when allowed to grow, certain strains can produce the cereulide toxin. Symptoms of Bacillus cereus food poisoning and cereulide toxin poisoning are most commonly vomiting but may include stomach cramping and diarrhoea.
- When was the recall made?: The recall was updated with new product expiry dates on January 9.
- What should I do if I have the product?: The FSA has urged people with any affected products to stop using them, switch to an alternative and contact their GP or NHS 111 if their baby has already ingested the formula. If formula is prescribed, parents should speak to a pharmacist or doctors before switching, the FSA said.
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