B&M has apologised to customers after a “serious error” resulted in out-of-date baby formula being sold to parents.
The error sparked an “urgent investigation” by B&M, which is urging shoppers not to use the affected formula if they have already purchased it.
The discount chain issued an urgent product recall due to a ‘date-related’ issue with some expired Aptamil and Kenda products being sold.
When a customer complained that the baby formula milk she bought was almost a year out of date, B&M apologised for the error and said it “falls short of the high standards we set”.
The retailer said it was investigating how the product reached shelves in some stores and issued a recall.
B&M recall baby formula over fears ‘out of date milk might not be safe’ for little ones (Image: Kennedy News/B&M)
The recall notice affects Aptamil First Infant Milk Powder (800g) product code 348054, Aptamil Follow-On Milk (4x200ml) product code 422087, Kendamil Infant Milk (800g) product code 422378, Aptamil Follow-On Milk (700g) product code 422056 and Kendamil First Milk (250ml) product code 422381.
A spokesman for B&M said: “We sincerely apologise for this serious error and have carried out an urgent investigation to understand how pricing errors and out-of-date product reached shelves in some of our stores.
“The impacted formula has been removed. Out-of-date products should be returned to our stores for a full refund or replacement.
“This incident fell short of the high standards that we set for product safety, compliance, and operational integrity in our stores.
“We are committed to learn from this and taking steps to help prevent anything like this from happening again.”
Advice from the Kendamil website urges customers to always check the expiration date on their formula as expired milk ‘might not be safe’ for babies.
The advice reads: “Before you open and use a new can of formula, glance at the expiration date.
“You don’t want to accidentally use expired formula – it can lose its nutrients and might not be safe for your little one.
“If you find a can that’s past its date, don’t risk it. Toss it out to keep your baby safe and healthy.”
Aptamil manufacturer Danone said ensuring quality and safety in their products was their ‘number one priority’.
The brand added that baby formula was strictly regulated and ‘these products should not have been sold’ in the first place.
A spokesperson for Danone UK & Ireland said: “Danone UK & Ireland was made aware that out-of-date Aptamil First Infant Milk Powders and Follow-On Milk ready-to-drink liquids were discounted by B&M.
“The quality and safety of our products is our number one priority to ensure parents can rely on them with confidence and these products should not have been sold.
“In the UK, formula milk is highly regulated and we comply with these regulations.
“We have a strict global policy for Baby Formula Marketing Standards, which all our employees, brands and retail customers must adhere to. This standard prohibits discounts on infant formula.
“Once made aware, we contacted B&M and the retailer removed out-of-date product and marketing materials immediately.”
