Dozens of children are reported to have been experiencing symptoms of toxin poisoning after the recall of various baby formulas, the UK Health Security Agency has said, according to The Guardian.
The reports follow the Food Standards Agency confirming the recall of several batches of Nestlé infant formula and follow-on formula products on 5 January due to the possible presence of the cereulide toxin.
The UKHSA has been made aware of 36 cases of children developing symptoms consistent with cereulide toxin poisoning across the UK, including 24 in England, after consuming baby formula from the affected batches.
On 24 January, Danone, another infant formula retailer, recalled one batch of its Aptamil first infant formula due to the same toxin. Last week, the FSA confirmed the presence of the toxin in some Nestlé products, with the problem ingredient having been identified as arachidonic acid oil.
The Guardian cites statements by Gauri Godbole, deputy director of gastrointestinal infections, food safety and One Health at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), that infants showing symptoms were not unexpected given the “widespread availability of the affected products prior to the recall”.
She said current surveillance data showed no unusual rise in vomiting among children under one for this time of year, but added that UKHSA continues to monitor the situation and assess the public health impact of the recall, including the effects of the toxin on infants. Parents and caregivers were urged to check their homes and remove all recalled formula.
Bacillus cereus is a foodborne bacterium that produces the cereulide toxin, which can cause vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhoea. Symptoms typically appear within 15 minutes to six hours of ingestion and usually resolve within 24 hours if exposure stops.
The Food Standards Agency has advised anyone with the affected products to stop using them immediately, switch to an alternative, and contact their GP or NHS 111 if their baby has already consumed the formula. Young children and immunocompromised people are most at risk of complications.