A critical safety alert has been launched for a widely-sold infant formula, over concerns it could be contaminated with a harmful substance.
Caregivers who purchased certain Cow & Gate and Aptamil baby milk items are being asked to bring them back to retailers.
Both companies are pulling some of their formulas from shelves because of the possible presence of cereulide, a potent, heat-resistant toxin that induces vomiting, created by particular variants of Bacillus cereus microorganisms, frequently detected in tainted staples such as rice, pasta and infant formula.
Consumption of items containing this substance can trigger sudden vomiting and feelings of sickness.
Posters alerting shoppers to the product withdrawal have been displayed at the Superdrug branch in the Oxford Westgate shopping centre.
Superdrug at the Westgate (Image: Matt Simpson)
Superdrug at the Westgate (Image: Matt Simpson)
According to the Aptamil notice, buyers who have obtained these items can visit aptaclub.co.uk to determine which production runs are impacted. The company stated it is coordinating with sellers to guarantee that all items currently on sale meet FSA requirements. Purchasers who still possess items from these production runs may hand them back to the retailer where they bought them for a complete reimbursement whether or not they have proof of purchase.
Equivalent guidance was provided regarding the Cow & Gate formulas, though caregivers ought to verify through cgbaby.co.uk.
Every affected item carries a particular use-by date.
Fifteen items are implicated in total: nine Aptamil lines and six Cow & Gate lines.