“I Thought I Was Feeding Her Love”: A Gauteng Mother’s Guilt After Contaminated Formula Sickens Her Baby

When a routine feed became a parent’s worst fear

For one Gauteng mother, feeding her baby was meant to be an act of care and protection. Instead, it became the source of a lingering trauma she says still keeps her awake at night.

Speaking anonymously, the mother described months of fear and emotional turmoil after her infant daughter was hospitalised with severe symptoms later linked to a contaminated infant formula. What began as mild stomach discomfort when her baby was nine months old gradually spiralled into a medical emergency.

By the time the child reached 11 months, diarrhoea had become relentless and frightening.

A rush to hospital and unanswered questions

In early December, the baby was rushed to hospital after developing severe diarrhoea and blood in her stools. Doctors identified the symptoms as consistent with food poisoning and admitted the infant for five days due to the seriousness of her condition.

“At that point, we didn’t know where it came from,” the mother said. “I just cried when she was admitted.”

Initially, doctors suspected the illness may have been transmitted within the household, possibly by the baby’s older sibling, who showed no symptoms. But answers remained elusive, until a national warning changed everything.

A recall that brought clarity and guilt

During the family’s ordeal, the Department of Health issued a nationwide alert about a recalled infant formula linked to a potential food safety risk. The product identified was NAN Special Pro HA Infant Formula (0–12 months), 800g, batch number 51660742F3, with a best-before date of 15 December 2026.

Authorities warned of possible contamination by Cereulide, a toxin produced by Bacillus cereus, urging parents and caregivers to immediately stop using the product.

For the mother, the announcement brought devastating clarity.

“When I found out, I was shattered,” she said. “I blamed myself. I felt like I had poisoned my baby.”

Living with the aftermath

Although her daughter stabilised and was discharged, the illness didn’t end at the hospital doors. Persistent green, foul-smelling stools and intermittent diarrhoea meant the mother had to closely monitor hydration and watch constantly for signs of relapse.

The emotional cost ran just as deep. Hospitalisation separated her from her two-year-old child for days, intensifying her stress and sense of helplessness.

The infant had been prescribed specialised formula after breastfeeding difficulties and earlier digestive issues a decision made with medical guidance, but one that now haunts her.

A wider warning for parents

Across South Africa, the story has struck a nerve with parents sharing fears online about food safety, formula shortages, and the impossible pressure of making the “right” choices for their children.

Today, the Gauteng mother says she is grateful her baby survived, but the guilt lingers.

“I know I was trying to do what was best,” she said. “But I don’t think that fear ever fully leaves you.”

Her story serves as a stark reminder that behind every product recall is a family living through the consequences and a parent silently carrying the weight of blame that never truly belonged to them.

{Source: IOL}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com