‘Gangnam formula’ Aptamil sparks concern in Korea after Europe recall
An Aptamil infant formula product, left, recalled in parts of Europe, and a screenshot of an Aptamil listing on secondhand Karrot Market, with the seller writing that the item is not affected by the recall.
A precautionary recall of infant formula products in Europe has sent Korean parenting communities into a frenzy, with online mom forums buzzing over fears that some popular imported brands may pose health risks to babies.
While the recall affects several European manufacturers, much of the anxiety in Korea has centered on Aptamil — a premium brand widely dubbed the “Gangnam formula” for its association with wealthy families and high-end parenting choices.
The recall involves certain batches of infant formula manufactured in Europe that may contain trace amounts of cereulide, a toxin produced by the foodborne bacterium Bacillus cereus. The toxin can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, and is known to withstand heat during food processing.
France-based food giant Danone said on Jan. 23 that it initiated a precautionary recall in Europe of some batches of Aptamil First Infant Formula in the 800-gram size after a supplier flagged potential contamination. According to the U.K. Food Standards Agency, the affected products were sold in several European countries, primarily during the summer months, with an expiration date of October 2026.
News of the recall quickly spread across Korean parenting communities, where Aptamil has long been popular through overseas direct purchases and parallel imports.
“I already stocked up on 10 cans of Aptamil, and now I don’t know what to do,” wrote a mother of a 3-month-old baby.
“This is basically my worst nightmare,” another parent wrote. “How can something like this happen with infant formula?”
Some parents said they are now looking back on past health issues with new concern.
“My baby boy was hospitalized last week with a really bad stomach issue. Now I can’t help wondering if Aptamil had something to do with it,” wrote a mother of a 13-month-old.
Others pointed to a surge in secondhand listings.
“Is this why there are suddenly so many Aptamil listings on Karrot Market?” one user asked, referring to a popular Korean resale platform.
Some parents said they have already ordered alternative domestic formulas in hopes of a safer transition, but not all babies are adjusting easily.
“I ordered three different Korean formulas, but my baby won’t take any of them,” one parent wrote. “She’s used to the taste of Aptamil and keeps refusing the others.”
Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said Wednesday that products currently being recalled in Europe were never officially imported into the country. The ministry added that inspections of 113 infant formula products distributed domestically found no trace of cereulide.
Nutricia Korea, Aptamil’s official distributor in Korea, also said all Aptamil products sold through its Korean channels are unrelated to the recall and meet local safety standards.
Despite those assurances, the ministry requested major online marketplaces and overseas purchasing agents to block sales and proxy purchases of the affected European formula products, citing the possibility that Korean consumers could obtain them through direct overseas shopping.