Danone recalls batches of Aptamil and Cow & Gate products in Ireland
Danone has recalled specific batches of Aptamil and Cow & Gate infant formula and follow-on formula due to the possible presence of cereulide.
Cereulide toxin is produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) said.
The 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 six to 24 hours.
The FSAI has issued the product recall in Ireland, with details of the affected products, pack sizes and expiry dates.
In a statement issued today (Friday, February 6), Danone said it "never compromises on food safety, and we want to reassure all parents that we take this responsibility seriously".
"All our baby formulas are produced under strict food safety and quality standards and undergo rigorous checks before leaving our factories," Danone said.
"We have recalled specific batches of Aptamil and Cow & Gate products in Ireland in line with the latest guidance related to cereulide from the FSAI.
"Low levels of cereulide were identified in some specific batches and we have replaced them with new products.
"All products available for purchase are safe to use."
Danone said to date, there are "no confirmed cases of sickness or symptoms linked to our products".
"If their baby is unwell, we recommend parents speak to their healthcare professional," the statement said.
"If parents have any questions, they can reach out to our careline team on 1800 22 1234 (Aptamil) or 1800 570 570 (Cow & Gate)."
'Evolving global issue'
According to Greg Dempsey, chief executive of the FSAI, the recall in Ireland is an "evolving global issue".
“We are aware that the number of recalls is a cause of concern for parents, guardians and caregivers," Dempsey said.
"We would like to reassure everyone that the safety of infants and young children is of the utmost importance to us.
"We are in close communication with the infant formula manufacturers and retailers to ensure they are taking all appropriate actions to ensure that any potentially unsafe products are recalled from consumers and no longer on the market.
"We continue to work closely with the relevant Irish authorities and our food safety partner agencies across Europe, as this global food safety incident evolves."
The FSAI and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine which regulates the Danone manufacturing facilities in Ireland, "continue to engage with Danone to ensure that all food safety measures are being taken to protect consumers", the FSAI said.
