Lawyers Instructed to Investigate Cause Of Child’s Gastric Illness

The mother of a baby who suffered more than two weeks of diarrhoea and “screamed in agony” after drinking Aptamil baby formula last month has called on specialist Public Health lawyers to help her gain answers regarding the problems highlighted by reports of a wider issue regarding the product.

10-month old Adriel Danquah went through 44 nappies in around four days as a result of the illness problems, which led his mother Frances Gyetong, 33 from London, to seek advice from the family GP on three separate occasions.

Now, after reports at the start of July revealed manufacturer Danone is investigating concerns that its new recipe for Aptamil baby formula has led to some children to fall ill, she has instructed legal experts in Irwin Mitchell’s Public Health team to investigate whether the issues could be linked.

The specialist lawyers have vast expertise in successfully handling thousands of cases in the UK and abroad linked to gastric illness, including representing hundreds of diners affected by an illness outbreak at a Toby Carvery in Exeter in 2015 and almost 30 people who fell ill as a result of a Salmonella outbreak at the Real China restaurant in Southampton in 2014.

Amandeep Dhillon, a Partner and a Public Health specialist at Irwin Mitchell who is representing Frances and her son, said: 

Expert Opinion

“The complaints which have been made regarding the revised Aptamil formula are concerning, particularly considering the huge impact such issues could have on children and also the incredible distress it has caused parents.

“Whilst we welcome the tests undertaken by Danone, the makers of the product, we are very concerned regarding the first-hand account we have heard in relation to this issue and have already started to investigate the problems that our clients have faced.

“Gastric illness problems can have a huge impact on those affected, especially for babies, and it is absolutely vital that, where possible, lessons can be learned from an issue of this nature so that the problems are not seen again.” Amandeep Dhillon - Partner

Looking back to the start of Adriel’s illness, Frances said: “I had noticed that the milk looked bubbly and a little odd, but I never for one moment thought it may be causing Adriel any issues.

“However, he went through a period of quite severe illness and had diarrhoea for around 15 days. There were also moments when his skin was bleeding as a result of the diarrhoea and stomach cramps – he was screaming in agony.

“We tried our best to find out what could be causing the issue and as soon as we stopped using the milk he seemed a lot better. Then when I saw the news regarding Aptamil I realised that this could well have been the cause of his symptoms.

“You put great faith in the idea that the products you buy for your child are safe so what has happened is very concerning. At this point, I’m just desperate for some answers regarding what happened and whether lessons can be learned for the future.”

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