Prosecutors in Paris have opened investigations into five baby formula manufacturers after several issued mass recalls over concerns their product contained a toxin. Nestlé, Lactalis, Danone, Babybio, and La Marque en moins will be probed over whether there was any criminal wrongdoing in distributing baby formula that may have been contaminated with cereulide.
French authorities have received complaints from eight individuals who reported their child vomited after consuming the affected baby formula. Last week, Nestlé and Danone issued recalls in more than 60 countries, including the UK, due to potentially contaminated batches.
At least 36 infants in the UK have suffered from suspected food poisoning connected to this issue. Cereulide is a toxin that survives cooking and can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. It was linked to an ingredient called arachidonic acid (ARA) oil, used for its growth properties similar to breast milk.
The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) stated a third-party supplier of ARA was the source of the contamination. Investigations suggest this supplier might be a Chinese firm named Cabio Biotech, which has been asked to comment.
Investigations will also assess any direct links between contaminated formula and the deaths of three infants in France, although no current evidence directly connects these cases. So far, 28 batches of baby formula produced by Nestlé and Danone have been recalled. These companies have reassured consumers that the recalled products were made some time ago and are unlikely to be available for purchase in shops, though parents are encouraged to check their supplies at home.
To address supply issues, Nestlé announced plans to operate five of its factories continuously to boost baby formula production across Europe.
French authorities have received complaints from eight individuals who reported their child vomited after consuming the affected baby formula. Last week, Nestlé and Danone issued recalls in more than 60 countries, including the UK, due to potentially contaminated batches.
At least 36 infants in the UK have suffered from suspected food poisoning connected to this issue. Cereulide is a toxin that survives cooking and can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. It was linked to an ingredient called arachidonic acid (ARA) oil, used for its growth properties similar to breast milk.
The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) stated a third-party supplier of ARA was the source of the contamination. Investigations suggest this supplier might be a Chinese firm named Cabio Biotech, which has been asked to comment.
Investigations will also assess any direct links between contaminated formula and the deaths of three infants in France, although no current evidence directly connects these cases. So far, 28 batches of baby formula produced by Nestlé and Danone have been recalled. These companies have reassured consumers that the recalled products were made some time ago and are unlikely to be available for purchase in shops, though parents are encouraged to check their supplies at home.
To address supply issues, Nestlé announced plans to operate five of its factories continuously to boost baby formula production across Europe.
