Further batches of infant formula produced by Danone under the Aptamil and Cow & Gate brands were recalled on 6 February 2026, according to the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA). Parents and caregivers are being asked to check Product Recall Information Notices and stop using any affected batches.
The recall was issued due to potential contamination with cereulide, a toxin produced by Bacillus cereus, which can cause symptoms including vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhoea.
The issue is linked to contaminated arachidonic acid (ARA) supplied by a third-party manufacturer whose ingredients were used internationally. Danone and Nestlé confirmed they no longer source from the affected supplier.
This follows earlier recalls of Nestlé SMA infant and follow-on formula products due to the same contamination concern. Other batches not listed in recall notices remain safe to use.
Retail supply and consumer guidance
The FSA said most affected products are unlikely to remain on shop shelves but could still be stored at home. Unaffected formula products continue to be available through major retailers, with new supplies entering the market where precautionary stock withdrawals occurred.
Parents are advised to return recalled products for exchange and switch to unaffected batches. Those using prescribed formula should consult a pharmacist or doctor before changing.
The agency stated:
“Please check if you have Aptamil, Cow & Gate and SMA brands of formula at home. The affected batches are unlikely to still be on shop shelves but may be in your cupboard. If you have an affected batch, do not use it. You can return it to the store and exchange it for an unaffected batch.
If you are feeding your baby one of the affected batches, stop using it and switch to an unaffected batch from the same brand or another brand. If your baby’s formula was prescribed, speak to a pharmacist or doctor before changing. The risk of harm to children from cereulide contamination at these levels is low, but consuming it could cause symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea. If your baby has recently consumed an affected batch and you are concerned about symptoms, contact your GP or call NHS 111.”
FSA Chief Executive Katie Pettifer added:
“Food businesses have a legal responsibility to sell safe food, including checking ingredients from suppliers are safe. We are working with international food safety authorities on this global recall and expect manufacturers to explain what went wrong and provide assurances this will not happen again.”
EU-level response and scientific assessment
The recalls are part of a wider, multi-country incident. Since December, major dairy manufacturers — including Nestlé, Lactalis and Danone — have carried out precautionary withdrawals of baby formula batches worldwide after cereulide was detected.
The European Commission asked the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to provide urgent scientific advice to support coordinated risk management across the EU.
In a rapid risk assessment, EFSA scientists:
- Established an acute reference dose (ARfD) for cereulide exposure in infants
- Identified concentration levels in infant formula that could pose safety concerns
- Provided guidance to help authorities decide when product withdrawals are warranted as a precautionary public-health measure
The Commission also requested EFSA to propose an EU-wide safety threshold to harmonise recall triggers across member states.
09.02.2026.
