A mother is demanding a full investigation after her three-month-old son became seriously ill with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain after consuming a now-recalled infant formula. She had trusted the brand, SMA infant formula produced by Nestle, and had been feeding it to her son since birth. Her concern intensified when, after her son was hospitalized, she discovered the formula she used was among the batches recalled due to potential contamination with the toxin cereulide.
Nestle initiated a global recall of specific batches of its SMA infant and follow-on formula as a precautionary measure after a quality issue was identified with an ingredient from a supplier. The company stated that no illnesses had been confirmed in relation to the recalled products. However, the mother described her baby's severe symptoms, including mottled skin, blue feet, and jerking movements, which led to a diagnosis of meningitis after tests, including lumbar punctures.
Medical experts explained that bacteria can enter the bloodstream and, if spread to the brain's protective sac (meninges), can cause meningitis. The baby has been treated with antibiotics. The UK Health Security Agency has notified clinicians about the recall, acknowledging that symptoms can resemble common winter viruses and that no confirmed cases have been reported to date. The agency will continue to offer testing where deemed appropriate.