Fresh alert for Irish parents as popular baby formula linked to toxin recalled days later

A popular baby formula has now been recalled in Ireland after it emerged that affected packs were sold to Irish customers.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has confirmed that individual packs of Aptamil 1 From Birth First Infant Milk from a specific batch should not be used, advising parents not to feed the product to infants or young children.

While the product was manufactured in Ireland by Danone, it was originally recalled last week across parts of Europe and the UK after concerns over the potential presence of cereulide, a toxin that can cause severe vomiting.

However, the FSAI has now confirmed that the recall extends to Ireland after the affected product was indirectly distributed back into Ireland from the UK via online sales on Boots.ie.

The recalled product details are:

• Product: Aptamil 1 From Birth First Infant Milk
• Pack size: 800g
• Expiry date: 31-10-2026

READ MORE | Community 'deeply shocked and devastated' as teen girl (16) killed in scrambler crash named

Parents and caregivers who may have the affected formula at home are being urged not to use it.

The FSAI said that if no symptoms are present, no further action is required, but anyone concerned about a child’s health should contact a healthcare professional.

The FSAI advises that cereulide toxin may be pre-formed in a food and is extremely heat resistant. Consumption of foods containing cereulide toxin can lead to nausea and severe vomiting. Symptoms can appear within five hours. The duration of illness is usually 6 to 24 hours.

READ MORE | Gardaí deport 33 convicted criminals from Ireland on charter flight to Poland and Lithuania

The recall is linked to a contaminated raw ingredient, known as ARA oil, which was manufactured in China and used in base powder for infant and follow-on formula.

This same ingredient has been implicated in dozens of recent Nestlé baby formula recalls in Ireland earlier this month.

The FSAI and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine said they continue to engage with Danone to ensure all food safety measures are in place to protect consumers.

Danone has advised customers with concerns to contact the Aptamil Careline on 1800 22 1234 for further information.