Infant formula recall expands as FSA urges parents to check supplies

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has urged parents and caregivers to check infant formula supplies at home after the global recall widened, with Danone expanding its recall of selected Aptamil and Cow & Gate products on 6 February 2026 over potential contamination risk.

The latest recall applies to specific batches listed in official Product Recall Information Notices, with consumers advised to stop using any affected products immediately. The development follows a related incident last month, when Nestlé issued an advisory and recalled certain SMA infant and follow-on formula products linked to the same potential cereulide contamination risk.

Danone issued the recall after identifying possible contamination with cereulide, a toxin that can cause vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhoea. Authorities emphasised that the issue affects only the batches listed in the recall notices and confirmed all other Aptamil, Cow & Gate and Nestlé SMA formula products remain safe to use.

Global ingredient contamination identified

The investigation identified the contaminated ingredient as arachidonic acid (ARA), supplied by a third-party manufacturer and used internationally. Danone and Nestlé confirmed they no longer source from the affected supplier and said the recalled batches were produced some time ago, meaning they are unlikely to remain on retail shelves, although they may still be stored in homes.

Major retailers continue to stock unaffected formula, and where precautionary stock clearances have taken place, fresh supplies are already moving through the system to replenish shelves. The FSA is working with Food Standards Scotland, the UK Health Security Agency, the Department of Health and Social Care, local authorities and international food safety authorities to manage the global recall.

Katie Pettifer, Chief Executive of the FSA, said:

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. 

Danone and Nestle have confirmed they are no longer using the affected supplier, and that Aptamil Cow and Gate and SMA products now on sale do not contain the contaminated ingredient. 

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.”

The NHS has issued guidance on infant formula use, while the FSA continues to update its infant formula recall page with affected batches and the latest consumer advice.