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Rabat – A wide wave of infant formula recalls has reached several European countries after European food safety authorities revised their tolerance level for a bacterial toxin found in certain ingredients used in baby milk.
The situation first came to light after Nestlé recalled dozens of infant formula batches in mid-December across more than 60 countries. That decision led other major producers, such as Danone and Lactalis, to take similar steps, alongside smaller companies active in a fast-growing sector.
Manufacturers did not disclose the number of containers affected. Some products entered circulation as early as spring 2025 and reached consumers through supermarkets, pharmacies, online platforms, as well as hospitals and childcare facilities.
Recall volumes vary by company and by market, depending on supply contracts and distribution networks. Despite the scale of the situation, public communication from food industry giants remains limited.
Danone under pressure, legal action in Paris
Danone carried out several recall phases since mid-January. Singaporean authorities blocked initial batches on January 17, a move that triggered a sharp fall in Danone’s share price on the Paris stock exchange.
On January 23, the group announced an expanded recall, which concerned a very limited number of batches in selected markets. Danone did not publish a list of affected countries and confirmed the withdrawal of two batches in France. Singapore authorities later ordered the recall of two additional batches.
The company sought to reassure parents, stating that its infant formulas meet strict safety standards and undergo systematic checks before distribution.
Meanwhile, consumer advocacy group Foodwatch filed a complaint with the Paris public prosecutor alongside eight families. The organization accused infant formula producers of delayed action, citing a gap of more than one month between the first detection of the toxin and the broader recall decisions.
As regulators tighten safety rules, the infant nutrition industry now faces renewed scrutiny over supply chains, transparency, and response speed in matters that involve infant health.
Several hundred batches face withdrawal across the continent. Austria and Germany account for more than 120 affected lots sold under the Aptamil and Milumil brands.
France follows closely, with 119 batches listed by the official consumer alert platform Rappel Conso, including 10 infant milk references sold under Gallia and Blédilait.
The recalls came after the European Food Safety Authority adjusted its recommendations on cereulide, a toxin known to trigger digestive symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Health experts consider infants particularly vulnerable to its effects.
Authorities traced the substance to an oil rich in arachidonic acid supplied by Cabio Biotech, a Chinese manufacturer that provides ingredients to several global food groups. Arachidonic acid plays a key role in infant development and appears in many formula products worldwide.
French food safety officials warned that additional recalls remain likely as manufacturers adapt to the new threshold. Despite this outlook, the Directorate General for Food ruled out any risk of shortages, since the withdrawn quantities remain limited compared with total production levels.
Investigations continue, no confirmed link
In France, prosecutors in Bordeaux and Angers opened criminal investigations after the deaths of two infants who consumed recalled Nestlé products. Authorities stated that no direct link has been established at this stage between the deaths and the presence of cereulide.
Five other infants required hospitalization after consumption of recalled formulas. All later left the hospital. Health authorities reiterated that current evidence does not confirm a causal connection with the toxin.
