Major baby formula recall issued due to ‘possible presence’ of toxin as SIX products pulled from shelves

A MAJOR baby formula recall has been issued due to the “possible presence” of a toxin.

The affected Aptamil and Cow & Gate infant formula and follow-on formula products were sold in shops across the country.

Aptamil 1 From Birth First Infant Milk, Aptamil 2 6–12 Months Follow-On Milk, Aptamil Hungry 1 From Birth First Infant Milk, Cow & Gate Anti-Reflux From Birth, Cow & Gate Hungry First Infant Milk From Birth and Cow & Gate 1 First Infant Milk From Birth are all being recalled.

The products originated in Ireland, come in 800g packs, and have best-before dates from July 5, 2026 onwards.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) said: “Danone is recalling the below specific batches of its Aptamil and Cow & Gate infant formula and follow-on formula sold in Ireland due to the possible presence of cereulide.

“Recall notices will be displayed at point of sale.

“Danone is advising customers to contact its Aptamil careline team on 1800 22 1234 (https://www.aptaclub.ie), or its Cow & Gate careline on 1800 570 570 (https://www.cgbabyclub.ie) if they have any queries regarding this recall.

“In addition, Danone is recalling specific batches of its Aptamil and Cow & Gate infant formula and follow-on formula sold in the UK due to the possible presence of cereulide. The below batches may indirectly be distributed to Ireland from the UK.”

The cereulide toxin can cause nausea and severe vomiting, with symptoms appearing hours after consumption.

The notice said: “Cereulide toxin is produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus.

“The toxin may be pre-formed in a food and is extremely heat-resistant. Consumption of foods containing cereulide toxin can lead to nausea and severe vomiting.

“Symptoms can appear within five hours. The duration of illness is usually six to 24 hours.”

Parents and guardians are being urged not to feed the affected products to young children.

The FSAI added: “Retailers are requested to remove the implicated batches from sale and display recall notices at point of sale.

“Wholesalers/distributors are requested to contact affected customers, recall the implicated batches and provide a point-of-sale recall notice to retailer customers.

“Parents, guardians and caregivers are advised not to feed the implicated batches to infants or young children.”