Parents using formula milk to feed their babies are being warned that 11 different Nestle products have been removed from the market because of safety concerns.
The Food Standards Agency has issued an alert after several SMA Infant Formula and Follow-On Formula products were removed from sale as a precaution because of the possible presence of a harmful toxin.
Now, the Consultant Midwife for Public Health at NHS Humber Health Partnership, the organisation running maternity hospitals in Hull, Scunthorpe and Grimsby, is urging parents using formula milk to feed their children to take the following action.
Check batch numbers in any products you currently have to see if they’re on the list issued by the Food Standards Agency. If you have these products, stop using them and if your baby is vomiting or having cramps or appears unwell, contact your GP or call NHS111. You can contact Nestle to request a refund.
Consultant Midwife for Public Health Sarah Wise, said: “What’s most important is that you check the list of products which are potentially affected by this toxin against the products you have at home.
“If you have these products, stop using them immediately to feed your baby, even if they’re not showing any signs of being unwell or sick.
“If you’ve got any concerns at all, contact your GP, midwife or health visitor.”
Sarah said parents using formula milk can switch to a different brand without any health impact or adverse effect on their baby.
She said: “The NHS advises using first infant formula up to 12 months of age if you’re not breastfeeding or are mixed feeding but it’s ok to swap to a different brand. They’re all nutritionally equivalent and you will not harm your baby by swapping to another brand of formula milk suitable for babies up to one year old.
“However, if you’re using any other products to Alfamino, lactose-free, comfort milk or anti-reflux products, ask your midwife, health visitor or GP about suitable alternatives.”