Baby formula recall compensation claims

Why are some baby formulas being recalled in the UK?

In February 2026, several batches of Aptamil, Cow & Gate and SMA formula were recalled after babies across the UK became ill with symptoms linked to cereulide toxin exposure.

Health authorities have confirmed that 36 babies across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Crown Dependencies developed symptoms consistent with toxin exposure. This includes vomiting, nausea and abdominal pain, with some infants requiring hospital treatment.

Cereulide toxin is highly heat‑stable, meaning it is not destroyed during normal preparation of baby formula. The issue has been traced to a shared third‑party ingredient supplier, which manufacturers have now stopped using.

Many families have faced emergency care, emotional distress and disruption, all of which may contribute to a compensation claim.

Which baby formulas have been recalled?

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has now recalled a total of 28 batches of baby food formula across multiple food manufacturers. They have published a full list of recalled products, including:

Aptamil

• First Infant Milk (various sizes)
• First Infant Milk Big Pack
• First Infant Milk Hungry
• First Infant Milk Pre‑measured Tabs
• Follow On Milk (various sizes)
• Follow On Milk Big Pack
• Follow On Milk Pre‑measured Tabs

Cow & Gate

• First Infant Milk (various sizes)
• First Infant Milk Big Pack
• First Infant Milk Hungry
• Anti‑Reflux

SMA

• Advanced First Infant Milk
• Advanced Follow‑On Milk
• First Infant Milk (800g / 400g / 1.2kg)
• Little Steps First Infant Milk
• Comfort
• Anti‑Reflux
• Lactose Free
• Alfamino
• Ready‑to‑Feed First Infant Milk (200ml / 70ml)

The FSA has warned that affected batches may still be in homes, even if no longer on sale. Families are being urged to check the batch numbers listed on their website if you think you may have one, and to stop using it immediately.

What are the symptoms of cereulide toxin exposure?

Cereulide is a potent toxin that is produced by some strains of Bacillus cereus. Exposure to cereulide can cause emetic syndrome, which is a type of rapid-onset food poisoning. It is often caused by the improper storage of starchy foods, like rice or pasta.

Symptoms of cereulide toxin exposure include:

• Sudden vomiting
• Nausea
• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhoea
• Dehydration
• Hospitalisation in severe cases

Due to the potency of the toxin, symptoms can appear very quickly, so it important to seek medical help as soon as possible and keep a record of your child’s symptoms.

Can I claim compensation if my baby has been made ill due to contaminated baby formula?

You may be entitled to compensation if:

• Your baby consumed one of the recalled formulas
• They became unwell shortly afterwards
• Medical treatment was required
• You incurred costs such as travel or time off work
• Your family experienced distress or disruption

If you believe you have a claim, we strongly recommend that you speak to our specialist product liability solicitors as soon as possible. We will be able to confirm whether your formula was within the recalled batches and help gather the medical evidence needed to secure the compensation and justice you and your family deserve.

What to do if your baby was affected by the contaminated baby formula

1. Stop using the formula immediately
2. Keep the packaging, batch code and any remaining product
3. Record your child’s symptoms and medical visits
4. Seek medical advice as soon as possible
5. Contact our legal experts for specialist advice

If your baby has been affected by contaminated Aptamil, Cow & Gate or SMA formula, our expert solicitors can help you understand your options. You don’t need receipts to start your claim; simply speak to our team and we’ll take you through the process.

Speak to us today for free, confidential support

Why choose Slater and Gordon?

We understand how frightening it is to learn that a product you trusted may have harmed your child. Our priority is making the process as simple and supportive as possible.

Slater and Gordon is one of the UK’s top consumer law firms, and we have helped hundreds of clients claim the compensation they deserve after being let down by faulty and dangerous products. By speaking to our specialist product liability team, you will benefit from:

• Extensive experience in product liability and child‑related claims, meaning you can rest assured your case is in safe hands
• A free, no-obligation initial consultation, where we’ll talk you through your legal position and your options moving forward
• No Win, No Fee funding, which means there’s no financial risk to making a claim and you won’t owe us a penny upfront for our services
• Access to in‑house nurses and clinical experts, who can help to determine the impact of your child’s illness and identify any additional support or treatment they may need
• Our team have earned leading rankings in prestigious independent legal guides, The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners
• A compassionate, family‑focused approach, ensuring you feel listened to and supported at every stage of your claim