Lactalis has recalled six lots of its Picot infant milk in 18 countries following the potential detection of cereulide, a bacterial toxin. This recall follows Nestlé's early January actions and stems from a broader crisis involving a shared supplier of arachidonic acid (ARA). No illnesses have been confirmed linked to the products, but authorities are investigating a baby's death.
The crisis over contaminated infant milks is spreading to major French and Swiss food companies. On January 21, 2026, Lactalis, based in Laval, announced the recall of six lots of its Picot brand after complementary analyses on January 20 revealed the presence of cereulide in a reconstituted product. This toxin, produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus, can cause vomiting and diarrhea within hours of consumption, with symptoms lasting less than 24 hours. The affected products include PICOT Nutrition Quotidienne 1st and 2nd age (400g, 800g), PICOT AR 2nd age (800g), and PICOT Standard 1st and 2nd age (850g), sold from January 29, 2025, to January 21, 2026, in France and 18 countries like China and Australia.
Nestlé initiated voluntary recalls in early January for its Guigoz and Nidal brands, affecting about 60 countries. Philipp Navratil, Nestlé's CEO, apologized for the worry caused, stating no illness cases were confirmed. The products include various formats of GUIGOZ (such as Digest+, EXPERT AR) and NIDAL (such as 1 From birth), sold from May 2025 to January 2026 in major French retailers.
A single international supplier of ARA, an ingredient added to mimic breast milk, is under scrutiny, according to the DGAL and the companies. Initial analyses in early January showed nothing, but an alert from the Alliance 7 union triggered checks. Danone precautionary blocked Dumex lots in Singapore, with no confirmed irregularities. Bacillus cereus infections are rare in France (five cases per million inhabitants per year) and generally benign, but risky for infants. French authorities are investigating the death of a baby who consumed a Nestlé product, with no direct link established yet. This affair echoes past scandals like the 2017 salmonella case.
