Danone and Nestlé recall batches of infant milk due to contamination

Children’s food safety is under scrutiny across Europe. The giants in the sector, Danone and Nestlé, have expanded the recall of various batches of formula milk after the presence of cereulide was detected, a toxin that has set off alarms in dozens of countries.

This measure, which began locally last month, has now been extended to more than 130 lots and affects leading brands such as Aptamil, Milumil, Gallia, Bledina and Guigoz.

WHAT IS CEREULID AND WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

Cereulide is a toxin produced by bacteria Bacillus cereus. Its ingestion can cause severe nausea and vomiting, which in infants represents a high risk of dehydration.

The source of the contamination has been traced to ingredients supplied by a supplier in China, which supplies several of the world’s largest manufacturers, including the company Lactalis.

THE ROLE OF EFSA AND THE NEW RESTRICTIONS

The extension of this massive withdrawal responds to a decision by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which last Monday established much stricter thresholds for the permitted levels of this toxin.

• Danone: Has recalled lots in Austria, Germany and France (especially Gallia and Bledina brands) as a precaution against the new limits.
• Nestlé: Has intensified its controls following a request from the European Commission to analyze not only powder formulas, but also liquid formulas.

CRISIS IN FRANCE: INVESTIGATION INTO DEATHS OF INFANTS

The situation has reached its most critical point in France, where health authorities are investigating a possible relationship between the death of two babies and the consumption of milk from the Guigoz brand, belonging to the Swiss group Nestlé.

Although the recall of these batches is preventive, it is expected that the results of the autopsies and laboratory analyzes will be available in the coming days to confirm or rule out the direct connection with the cereulide toxin.

GUIDE FOR PARENTS: BRANDS AND COUNTRIES AFFECTED

If you have recently purchased formula milk, we recommend checking the lot numbers on the packaging of the following brands:

Recommendation: If you detect that your product belongs to a recalled batch, discontinue use immediately and go to the point of sale to return it or contact the brand’s customer service lines in your country.

WHAT’S NEXT NOW?

The European Commission has urged all Member States to carry out comprehensive analyzes on all formats of infant milk. The transparency of companies and the speed of state laboratories will be crucial to restoring family confidence.