In the UK, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) announced on 6/2 that Danone Group is recalling an additional 15 batches of powdered milk products. This latest recall targets formula milk number one (for infants) and growing-up milk under the Aptamil and Cow & Gate brands. The affected products are as follows:

Bloomberg reported on 5/2 that the company is also withdrawing over 120 batches of infant formula from the market in Austria and Germany. The Austrian Ministry of Health stated that the recall directly affects the Aptamil and Milumil brands in its market. The number of recalled products is expected to increase after European food safety agencies recommended lower toxin limits for countries in the region earlier this week.

Following a European Union (EU) meeting on 28/1, a decision became effective to reduce the new limit to 0.014 micrograms of cereulide per kilogram of body weight, down from the previous 0.03 micrograms.

Two Aptamil batches in Danone's 6/2 recall announcement in the UK. *Photo: Danone UK*

Danone initiated the recall of select product batches in Singapore in early january. Subsequently, the company issued a larger recall after Irish food safety authorities updated their guidance on toxin concentrations.

The recalls stem from suspected cereulide toxin contamination in certain batches. This heat-stable toxin is not destroyed during cooking or when preparing milk with hot water. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain. Currently, 36 children in the UK are suspected of food poisoning linked to the affected products.

According to the FSA, the contamination originated from arachidonic acid (ARA) oil, an additive designed to mimic the developmental properties of breast milk, supplied by a third-party vendor. A representative for Danone Northern Europe affirmed the group's commitment to food safety and its rigorous quality control procedures before products leave the factory. The unit stated that only "low levels of cereulide" were detected in specific products, which have since been replaced with safe batches.

British health officials also reported that no children have experienced severe illness from the suspected poisoning by these products. However, all children who exhibited symptoms had consumed milk brands under the warning.

The global powdered milk crisis began on 5/1 when Nestle Group identified a "quality issue" with ingredients from a supplier, leading to product recalls in numerous European countries. The impact quickly spread to Africa, the Americas, and Asia, involving major dairy companies like Danone and Lactalis.

To date, the recalls have affected consumers in dozens of countries. French authorities are still investigating a potential link between Nestle's Guigoz milk and the deaths of two infants. In the UK, health agencies have recorded 36 children suspected of illness after consuming contaminated powdered milk.

Katie Pettifer, Chief Executive Officer of the FSA, emphasized, "Food businesses have a legal responsibility to provide safe food. We are collaborating with international food safety agencies to clarify the cause and demand manufacturers commit to preventing recurrence." The FSA advises parents not to continue using recalled products for their children. Additionally, consumers can return products to retailers for exchange with unaffected batches.

Affected Cow & Gate product batches in Danone UK's recall announcement. *Photo: Danone UK*

Binh Minh (According to BBC, Bloomberg)