Several manufacturers, including Nestle, have issued recalls of infant formula that could be contaminated in more than 60 countries since December.
Danone and Nestle have given assurances to the FSA that recalled batches were produced some time ago and are unlikely still to be on UK shop shelves. However, they may be in cupboards at home, which is why parents and caregivers are being asked to check their supplies.
Cereulide is a toxin which is unlikely to be destroyed by cooking, or when making the infant milk. If it’s consumed it can lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps.
The FSA has already said the toxin was linked to an ingredient called arachidonic acid (ARA) oil in infant formula, which gives it some of the growth properties of breast milk.
A third-party supplier is the source of the contamination, the FSA said last week, which the companies are now no longer using.
FSA chief executive Katie Pettifer said investigations were ongoing.
“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,” she said.
