Seven Scottish children suffer toxic poisoning symptoms amid baby formula recalls

The UKHSA said there had been 36 reported cases of children developing toxic poisoning symptoms from now-recalled products.

They included 24 in England, seven in Scotland, three in Wales, one in Northern Ireland and one from the Crown Dependencies.

In January, Nestlé recalled several batches of 12 SMA Infant Formula and Follow-On Formula products due to concerns about the presence of a heat-resistant toxin called cereulide.

The recall was later updated with new product expiry dates.

Retailer Danone also recalled one batch of Aptamil First Infant Formula.

It is understood that the contamination that led to the recalls originated from a shared, third-party, ingredient supplier.

The FSA said it is continuing to investigate the source of the contamination.

The food safety body has urged parents to stop using the recalled products and contact their GP or NHS 111 if their baby has already consumed the formula.

It said if the formula is prescribed, parents should speak to a pharmacist or doctors before stopping.

What are the symptoms of toxin poisoning?

Cereulide is a toxin produced by some strains of Bacillus cereus - a spore-forming bacterium that can contaminate a range of food products.

The main symptom of Bacillus cereus food poisoning and cereulide toxin is vomiting, but symptoms may also include stomach cramping and diarrhoea.

Symptoms usually have a rapid onset between 15 minutes to up to six hours after ingestion.

Ingestion rarely causes more significant illness, however a “few” cases of liver or kidney injury, muscle breakdown and multi-organ failure have been reported, the UKHSA said.

More information about which batches have been recalled can be found on food.gov.uk or on the Nestle website.