Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the recent recall of Aptamil and SMA on NHS infant‑formula supply; and what discussions his Department has had with UK manufacturers on that recall.

Following the recent recalls of specific batches of infant formula due to the possible presence of the cereulide toxin, the Food Standards Agency has led the incident response, engaging directly with the manufacturers concerned and coordinating public notifications and recall activity across the United Kingdom. The Department and the UK Health Security Agency have participated in these crisis management arrangements to ensure all relevant health partners are engaged.

In respect of National Health Service supply, the Department’s National Supply Disruption Response team has been actively engaged throughout in assessing and mitigating any potential impacts on infant formula availability in healthcare settings. The Department has not experienced any supply shortages and there remain alternative suitable products available.

For the specialist amino acid formula SMA Alfamino, Nestlé prioritised supply for the most clinically vulnerable babies, while alternative suppliers, including Danone and Reckitt, had adequate stock to support any temporary shortfall. As of 16 February, Nestle’s supply of Alfamino recovered and they are now able to meet prescription demand at normal demand levels.

The Department remains in ongoing contact with both Nestlé and Danone, as well as other formula manufacturers who supply the UK. This engagement includes monitoring supply positions, ensuring continuity of provision in hospitals and community settings, and supporting industry efforts to stabilise stock levels as recall actions progress.