According to FoodNavigator Europe, the issue of infant milk formula contamination with the toxin cereulide continues to expand: after Nestlé, Danone has also become involved in the crisis.
Over the weekend, Danone announced a recall of a batch of Aptamil First Infant Formula sold in the United Kingdom after cereulide was detected — a toxin produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus. It is noted that the bacteria themselves were not detected in the product, and the toxin level was within permitted limits.
When consumed at high levels, cereulide can cause nausea and vomiting. It is reported that some infants who consumed the recalled Nestlé infant formula batch “became seriously ill.”
Earlier this month, Nestlé initiated a global recall of certain batches of SMA infant formula and follow-on formula. According to preliminary information, the source of the problem was arachidonic acid (ARA), which is added to formulas to support brain and vision development and was supplied by a third-party manufacturer. Following this, reports emerged of serious illness in infants in the United Kingdom and Brazil who may have consumed the recalled products. In France, reports of two fatal cases potentially linked to this incident are also under investigation.
Following Nestlé’s alert, Danone and Lactalis also carried out precautionary recalls. The situation has triggered a strong response from regulators and consumer organizations. In particular, Foodwatch International is preparing legal action against the companies and national food safety authorities, accusing them of delayed recalls and systemic failures in EU food safety control mechanisms.
Source: FoodNavigator Europe
