Liverpool City Council statement on national infant formula recall

Liverpool City Council is aware of the national reports regarding infant formula recalls involving several manufacturers and the ongoing investigation by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

The UKHSA has confirmed that it is currently investigating 36 clinical notifications across the UK of children developing symptoms consistent with cereulide toxin exposure after consuming now‑recalled batches of baby formula. These cases have been recorded following widespread recalls issued in January by Nestlé, involving more than 60 batches of SMA infant formula, and by Danone, which recalled a batch of Aptamil formula due to the same concern.

Cereulide is a heat‑resistant toxin that can cause symptoms such as vomiting, nausea and abdominal cramps, and its presence has been linked to an ingredient known as arachidonic acid (ARA), an optional fatty acid added to some formulas. The Food Standards Agency has already confirmed that toxin contamination has been detected in affected batches, and recalls have been updated as further testing has taken place.

Professor Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool City Council, said, “It is important that robust and appropriate measures are in place locally to identify the affected products. The national recall has identified the packs affected and local families should check their supplies. At this time, it is important for local families to know:

• The absolute risk to infants remains low, and the recalls were issued as a precaution to prevent further potential exposure.
• Parents and carers should check batch numbers of any SMA or Aptamil products they may have at home against the latest recall notices available from the Food Standards Agency.
• Any child who has recently consumed a recalled product and develops symptoms such as vomiting, particularly within a few hours of feeding, should seek medical advice from NHS 111 or their GP.
• UKHSA has emphasised that the identification of these cases is not unexpected, given the wide availability of the affected batches before the recall.

“Our focus remains on ensuring that families have access to clear, accurate and up‑to‑date information as the situation develops. Local midwives and health visiting services remain a source of ongoing infant‑feeding advice for those who already engage with them.”

Matt continued, “We know that feeding your baby can feel quite overwhelming at first – whether you are breastfeeding, bottle feeding or a combination of both. There is a lot of evidence to show how beneficial it is to breastfeed your baby, especially in the early weeks.

“Some people who are not breast feeding may worry that they are missing a chance to bond with their baby. You can still grow a strong emotional bond with your baby while giving them a bottle. During feeds, keep eye contact with your baby, feed them skin-to-skin, chat softly to them and watch out for signals or cues of how they are feeling.”

24 Magic Months is a free app developed by Liverpool City Council. It’s designed to help you make magic moments and mark every incredible milestone in the first two years of your baby’s life. The app is free to download from Google Play and the App Store.

Liverpool City Council continues to stay in close contact with national agencies and regional health partners as developments unfold. Although this issue relates to a national product recall, we recognise that reports of potential contamination may understandably cause concern among parents and carers in the city.

If you have any feeding worries or concerns, the best thing to do is speak to your midwife or health visitor or visit trusted guidance: https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/baby/feeding-your-baby/.