Baby formula cereulide poisoning: The symptoms to look out for

Credit: Daisy-Daisy

By Josie Clarke, PA

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 has announced.

Bacillus cereus is a spore-forming bacterium that can contaminate a range of food products and when allowed to grow, certain strains can produce the cereulide toxin, the agency said.

Here are the symptoms to look out for in infant patients.

Rapid onset of symptoms

Symptoms of Bacillus cereus food poisoning and cereulide toxin poisoning are most commonly vomiting but may include stomach cramping and diarrhoea.

Symptoms usually have a rapid onset between 15 minutes to up to six hours after ingestion.

They usually resolve within 24 hours providing there is no ongoing exposure to the toxin.

How serious is it?

Ingestion of the toxin rarely causes more significant illness, however a “few” cases of liver or kidney injury, muscle breakdown and multi-organ failure have been reported, the UKHSA said.