There have been 36 clinical reports of children suffering symptoms consistent with toxin poisoning linked to recent baby formula recalls, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said. It was notified of children who had consumed implicated batches and developed symptoms 24 times in England, seven in Scotland, three in Wales, and one in Northern Ireland.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) announced on January 5 that Nestle was recalling several batches of 12 SMA Infant Formula and Follow-On Formula products in the UK due to the possible presence of the cereulide toxin. Nestle said the move was "out of an abundance of caution" as there had been no reports of illness liked to its products.

It said: "The safety and wellbeing of babies is our absolute priority. Wesincerely apologisefor any concern or inconvenience caused to parents,caregivers,and customers."

Just weeks later on January 24, Danone recalled one batch of Aptamil First Infant Formula because of cereulide contamination.

The FSA said at the time that only one batch sold in the UK was affected, but batches in other countries also turned out to be affected.

It was also later discovered that the contamination that led to the recalls came from a shared, third-party ingredient supplier.

The FSA urged people to stop using the affected products immediately and contact their GP or NHS 111 if their baby has already consumed them.

The agency's head of incidents, Jane Rawling, said: "I want to reassure parents, guardians and caregivers that we are taking urgent action, helping to ensure all of the affected product is removed from sale as a precaution.

"If you have fed this product to a baby and have any concerns about potential health impact, you should seek advice from healthcare professionals by contacting your GP or calling NHS 111."