Cow & Gate Baby Milk Recall 2026 Over Toxin Fears – What Parents Need to Know?

Quick Summary: Cow & Gate powdered formula sold across the UK is under recall. Affected batches may contain cereulide, a harmful toxin. Parents are advised to check batch codes, stop using recalled products, and seek medical guidance if symptoms occur.

• Products Affected: Specific Cow & Gate powdered formulas (600g–1.2kg)
• Date Range: Best before June 2026 to February 2027
• How to Act: Stop use, check batch, return to store
• Helpline: 0800 977 8880 (Cow & Gate Careline)
• Regulators Involved: Food Standards Agency (FSA), UKHSA

Stay updated via official FSA notices and retailer alerts. Your baby’s health and safety comes first.

Why Was Cow & Gate Baby Formula Recalled in 2026?

In January and February 2026, Danone North Europe issued a precautionary recall of specific Cow & Gate and Aptamil baby formulas after the FSA identified the presence of cereulide, a harmful bacterial toxin not eliminated during formula preparation.

This recall wasn’t isolated. More than 60 countries were impacted by similar recalls from Danone and Nestlé, affecting brands such as SMA, Aptamil, and Cow & Gate.

According to the FSA, the contamination was traced back to a third-party supplier that provided ARA oil, an additive used in formula to mimic certain properties of breast milk.

“Food businesses have a legal responsibility to sell safe food… We expect manufacturers to explain what went wrong and ensure it never happens again,” said FSA Chief Executive Katie Pettifer.

Why is this serious?

While health officials stress that the overall risk to babies remains low, the recall is taken seriously because infant formula is often a baby’s sole source of nutrition.

More than 36 children in the UK were reported to have symptoms consistent with exposure to the affected formula. Although most cases were mild and short-lived, some infants required hospital treatment, underlining the importance of swift action.

What Is Cereulide and How Does It Affect Your Baby?

Cereulide is the toxin at the centre of the Cow & Gate baby milk recall, raising serious concerns because of its ability to survive heat and cause rapid illness in infants even in very small amounts.

Understanding the Toxin Behind the Recall

Cereulide is a toxin produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus, a bacterium commonly found in the environment. While many bacteria are destroyed during heating or food preparation, cereulide is exceptionally heat-resistant, meaning it can survive boiling water and standard formula-making processes.

Once present in food, the toxin can interfere with the body’s energy production at a cellular level, which explains why symptoms can appear rapidly after ingestion. This characteristic makes cereulide particularly concerning in infant nutrition, where even small amounts can have an impact.

Symptoms of Cereulide Toxin Exposure in Infants

• Vomiting (often sudden and severe)
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea (less common)

Symptoms typically occur within 15 minutes to 6 hours of consumption. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), most cases resolve within 24 hours once exposure stops.

However, in rare situations, especially among very young babies or those with underlying conditions, complications such as dehydration or strain on the liver and kidneys may occur.

“Parents should not panic, but it’s vital they stop using affected products immediately if they have them at home,” advised a UKHSA spokesperson.

Which Cow & Gate Products Are Affected by the Recall?

The recall includes a specific range of powdered Cow & Gate infant formulas, covering multiple pack sizes and expiry dates between June 2026 and February 2027. Importantly, the recall does not apply to all Cow & Gate products.

Health authorities emphasised that liquid and ready-to-feed formulas are unaffected, as are any products outside the listed expiry date ranges.

Specific Products and Batch Codes:

Below is a breakdown of recalled Cow & Gate products,

Note: Liquids and other Cow & Gate variants are unaffected.

“We’ve removed and replaced all impacted stock. Only specific powdered formulas are involved in this recall,” said a Danone spokesperson.

Is It Still Safe to Use Cow & Gate Baby Formula?

Yes, Cow & Gate baby formula is still safe to use as long as it is not part of the recalled batches. Both Danone and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) have confirmed that affected products were quickly removed from shelves and replaced with compliant stock that meets current UK safety standards.

Parents can safely continue using Cow & Gate formula products that are not listed in the official recall, have expiry dates outside the affected ranges, or are liquid and ready-to-feed formulas, which were not impacted.

Danone has also stated that additional safety measures, including enhanced supplier checks and stricter quality controls, are now in place.

These steps are designed to ensure that all Cow & Gate products currently available in the UK meet rigorous manufacturing and food safety requirements, providing reassurance to parents and caregivers.

How Can You Check If Your Baby Milk Is Affected?

To assist concerned parents and carers, Cow & Gate launched an easy-to-use online Recall Checker Tool, enabling you to quickly verify whether a product you own falls within the affected batch list.

Using the tool takes just a few minutes and can give you peace of mind if you’re unsure about your baby’s formula.

Steps to Check Your Product:

• Locate the batch code and expiry date: These are printed on the base or side of the formula tin.
• Visit the Cow & Gate recall checker: Found on the official Cow & Gate UK website.
• Enter your product details: Input the pack size, expiry date, and batch code to receive confirmation.
• Still unsure? Call the Careline Team on 0800 977 8880 (Mon–Fri, 8am–8pm / Sat, 10am–5pm).

Additionally, you can review the Food Standards Agency (FSA) website, which offers an up-to-date list of all recalled baby formula products and safety advice for parents.

By taking a few minutes to double-check, you can make sure your child is not at risk from a recalled formula.

What Should You Do If You Have a Recalled Product?

If your product appears on the recall list, you should act promptly. While most cases of exposure have not resulted in serious illness, continuing to use the product could pose unnecessary risks to your baby’s health.

Here’s what to do:

• Stop using the product right away
• Return it to the store (Tesco, Co-op, Asda, etc.) for a full refund, receipt not required
• Switch to an unaffected batch or alternative formula
• Contact your baby’s GP if symptoms occur

“If you’re feeding your baby one of the affected batches, switch to an alternative and speak to a pharmacist or doctor before making any changes,” recommends the FSA.

Retailers across the UK are cooperating with the recall and have made unaffected stock available in stores. Major chains like Tesco, Boots, and Asda have dedicated recall desks to streamline refunds.

What If Your Baby Has Already Consumed Recalled Milk?

It’s natural to feel alarmed if you find out your baby has consumed formula from a recalled batch, especially after hearing about the potential effects of cereulide toxin. However, most children affected have experienced only mild symptoms, according to UK health officials.

The majority of cases have resolved without medical intervention within 24 hours. Still, being informed and observant is key.

Watch for These Symptoms

• Sudden vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea, typically appearing within 30 minutes to 6 hours after feeding

If your baby has consumed a recalled product but seems well, it is usually safe to stop the formula and switch without further concern.

Seek Medical Advice If

• Your baby shows symptoms shortly after feeding
• There is unusual drowsiness, lethargy, or persistent vomiting
• Signs of dehydration appear (dry mouth, no tears when crying, fewer wet nappies)

“If your baby is unwell, contact NHS 111 or your GP immediately. The toxin can affect babies quickly, but with prompt care, most infants recover well,” advised Dr Linda Rowe, paediatrician at Royal London Hospital.

Keep in mind that early intervention is key. The faster you spot symptoms and act, the quicker your baby can recover comfortably.

What Are Authorities Doing to Prevent This in the Future?

The FSA and UKHSA are collaborating with global food safety bodies to trace the root of the contamination. They’ve identified the culprit as ARA oil, sourced from a third-party supplier used by both Danone and Nestlé.

Here’s how regulators and brands are responding:

• Supplier changes: Both brands have stopped sourcing ingredients from the affected supplier.
• Increased factory testing: Enhanced quality control protocols are in place.
• Ongoing investigation: International food authorities are working to assess whether similar risks exist in other supply chains.

These steps aim to restore confidence in baby formula safety and improve transparency across the supply chain, from ingredient sourcing to shelf delivery.

Can You Still Trust Baby Formula Brands Like Cow & Gate?

This recall has understandably shaken confidence in major baby formula brands. However, both Cow & Gate and Aptamil (under Danone) have acted swiftly, transparently, and cooperatively with health authorities.

“We never compromise on food safety. All our products undergo rigorous testing and meet strict safety regulations before leaving our factories,” reiterated a Danone spokesperson.

Transparency, responsive action, and improved oversight are rebuilding trust. Most importantly, the products currently on UK shelves are verified as safe.

Parents should remain vigilant, but they can have confidence in the formula options now available, especially when purchased from reliable retailers and cross-checked using official tools.

Conclusion

The 2026 Cow & Gate baby milk recall serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of food safety and transparency in infant nutrition. While the risk to babies was low, the swift action by Danone, the FSA, and UK retailers helped ensure consumer protection.

If you’re a parent, the most important steps are to check your formula, stop using recalled batches, and speak to a healthcare professional if needed.

With enhanced safety measures now in place, you can move forward with confidence, knowing that trusted brands are working harder than ever to keep your baby safe.

FAQs About Cow & Gate Recall 2026

How can I identify if my baby’s formula is part of the recalled batch?

Check the batch number and expiry date printed on the tin. Use the Cow & Gate recall checker tool online or cross-reference with the FSA’s official recall notice.

What are the side effects of cereulide toxin in babies?

Common symptoms include vomiting, nausea, and abdominal cramps. These usually appear within six hours of ingestion and resolve within 24 hours.

Can I return recalled baby formula without a receipt?

Yes. UK retailers are accepting returns of affected products with or without a receipt for a full refund.

Are Cow & Gate liquids or ready-to-feed formulas included in the recall?

No, only certain powdered formulas have been affected. All liquid variants remain safe to use.

Is Aptamil also part of the 2026 recall?

Yes, several Aptamil batches were also recalled due to the same contamination issue.

Who should I contact if I have concerns about my baby’s health?

Speak to your GP or call NHS 111 for immediate advice if your baby shows symptoms.

Has Danone resolved the issue with the contaminated ingredient?

Yes. Danone has stopped sourcing ARA oil from the affected supplier and replaced all impacted products.