The move comes as part of the wider global scandal currently engulfing rival Swiss firm Nestle, whose SMA brand has been forced to initiate a series of global recalls after traces of a dangerous toxin was found in its baby formula products.
The outbreak was found to have originated from a Chinese supplier of arachidonic acid (ARA) oil, a key ingredient of baby formula designed support brain and nervous system development;
The cereulide toxin (stemming from the Bacillus cereus bacteria), can cause vomiting and diarrhoea when ingested.
Now suspected of causing two infant deaths in France, the outbreak has also engulfed fellow compatriots Lactalis – which has itself recalled baby formula products as part of the incident.
This latest recall for Danone acts as an extension of its previous notice for Aptamil First Infant Formula issed on 23 January.
Now, Danone has actioned a recall for batches of Aptamil First Infant Milk, Aptamil Follow On Milk Cow & Gate First Infant Milk and Cow & Gate Anti-Reflux.
All affected batches can be found on the Food Standards Agency (FSA) website. They can be returned for a full refund with or without a receipt and must not be consumed.
A statement put out by the FSA read: “Cereulide is a toxin produced by some strains of Bacillus cereus.
“Cereulide is highly heat stable meaning it is unlikely to be deactivated or destroyed by cooking, or when making the infant milk according to NHS guidelines. If consumed it can lead to rapid onset of symptoms. Symptoms caused by this toxin include nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps.
“Danone is recalling the above products. Point of sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling these products. These notices explain to customers why the products are being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the products. Please see the attached notice.”
