A significant safety alert has been issued for parents and caregivers across the United Kingdom following the urgent recall of a major baby formula product available through Boots pharmacies.
Critical Product Withdrawal Due to Harmful Toxin Detection
The Food Standards Agency has confirmed that a specific batch of Aptamil First Infant Formula, sold in 800g containers, has been withdrawn from the market after testing revealed the presence of cereulide. This dangerous toxin is produced by the food poisoning bacterium Bacillus cereus and poses serious health risks to infants and young children.
Affected Batch Details and Immediate Consumer Guidance
Only one batch distributed within the UK market is involved in this recall. The affected products carry batch number 31-10-2026 with a best-before date of 31 October 2026. These items were sold through Boots stores between May and July 2025.
Darren Whitby, head of incidents and resilience at the FSA, emphasised the importance of immediate action: "If you have purchased this specific batch, you should not feed it to infants or young children under any circumstances."
Boots has implemented a comprehensive return policy, allowing customers to bring back the affected formula to any store location for a full refund, regardless of whether they can produce a receipt.
Health Implications and Medical Recommendations
Cereulide exposure can lead to rapid-onset food poisoning symptoms that may include:
- Severe vomiting episodes
- Stomach cramps and abdominal discomfort
- General gastrointestinal distress
Medical authorities strongly advise parents who have already fed this product to their babies to monitor for any concerning symptoms and seek immediate professional guidance. The NHS recommends contacting your GP, health visitor, or calling NHS 111 if any health concerns arise.
Manufacturer Response and International Context
Danone, the manufacturer behind the Aptamil brand, initiated this precautionary recall after identifying the contamination. While only one batch reached UK consumers, the company has acknowledged that additional batches in other international markets have also been affected by similar quality concerns.
The FSA maintains that this represents an isolated incident within the UK supply chain, with no other Aptamil products or batches currently under investigation.
Practical Steps for Concerned Parents
Parents and caregivers should take the following immediate actions:
- Check any Aptamil First Infant Formula 800g containers for the specific batch code and expiration date
- Discontinue use immediately if the product matches the affected batch
- Return the formula to any Boots store for a full refund
- Switch to an alternative infant formula as recommended by healthcare professionals
- Contact the Aptamil Careline on 0800 996 1000 for additional support and information
This recall underscores the rigorous food safety monitoring systems operating within the UK, with regulatory bodies and retailers acting swiftly to protect vulnerable consumers when potential risks are identified.
