UAE, Oman recall batch of Aptamil infant formula over bacterial contamination concerns

The UAE's Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the Emirates Drug Authority have recalled a batch of Aptamil Advance 1 POF infant formula, manufactured by Nutricia Middle East (Danone). The product has been removed from major retail outlets across the UAE.

The product is intended for consumption by infants from birth to six months. The Ministry said that the batch in question has an expiration date of November 8, 2026.

Local regulatory authorities are continuing their investigation to ensure the withdrawal of the affected batch from stores due to the potential presence of harmful substances.

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The action was taken after traces of Bacillus cereus bacteria were found in one of the production inputs. This bacteria can produce cereulide, which, in some cases, may lead to health problems like food poisoning with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

In coordination with Nutricia Middle East in the UAE, all relevant batches available in distributors’ warehouses have been held, while procedures to withdraw any remaining quantities from the markets continue.

The Emirates Drug Authority has issued a precautionary circular to withdraw the affected batch of the product, if any, from all outlets and health facilities in the country.

All consumers in the UAE who have purchased this product have been advised to check the expiry date mentioned at the bottom of the package. If it matches the expiry date of November 8, 2026, it is advised not to consume the product and to dispose of it safely.

Authorities in Kuwait have also recalled the same formula due to the presence of cereulide.

A day before, Oman's Ministry of Health conducted a nationwide voluntary recall of Aptamil Advance POF 1 following a notification from Danone. The recall specifically affects batch dated November 8, 2026, produced in May 2025, reported Muscat Daily.

Although no illnesses have been reported in Oman, officials have advised residents to stop using the product immediately and safely dispose of it.

This comes after Danone recalled specific batches of infant formula in the UK and EU countries. On January 26, The Irish Food Safety Authority (FSAI) issued a recall of a specific batch of Aptamil 1 from Birth First infant milk due to presence of cereulide.