Amid fears from recent Nestlé and Lactalis recalls, Danone is extending its infant formula recalls in several European countries, including Ireland, as a precaution. The company states its tests are compliant and products safe, while investigations point to a common Chinese supplier for possible cereulide contamination. Two infant deaths are suspected, with no causal link established.
The crisis over infant formulas potentially contaminated with cereulide, a toxin produced by the Bacillus cereus bacterium causing vomiting and diarrhea, has rocked the sector for several weeks. Nestlé initiated a major recall on January 5 of its Guigoz and Nidal brands due to the potential presence of this substance. Lactalis followed on Wednesday with six lots of its Picot brand, after detecting a similar contamination.
Danone, which derives 20% of its business from child nutrition through brands like Gallia and Aptamil, is now extending targeted recalls in several countries, particularly in Europe and Ireland, 'as a precaution,' according to a source close to the matter. The company specifies that 'all its tests are compliant and its products safe.'
Investigations are converging on a common ingredient: an oil rich in arachidonic acid (ARA) supplied by Cabio Biotech, a Chinese company founded in 2004 in Wuhan. This international supplier serves many firms in the sector, according to AFP citing sources close to the case.
Health Minister Stéphanie Rist assured on BFMTV Friday that 'all concerned lots have been withdrawn' from the market. She advises parents to check the Rappel Conso website and set aside recalled boxes, although official notices recommend destruction. Two infants recently died after consuming recalled Nestlé milk, with no causal link established yet.
Parents, like Marie in Brittany, express anxiety: her 4-month-old daughter suffered vomiting and diarrhea after a concerned Guigoz lot, requiring an emergency call. 'If mine is affected, I'll file a complaint,' she testifies. Authorities urge vigilance, without a major scientific alert.
