Overview
- Arachidonic acid oil sourced via a supplier in China was found to contain heat‑stable cereulide, triggering multi‑brand infant formula recalls that began in December and expanded in February after EFSA set a safety threshold.
- EFSA and ECDC issued a joint assessment on Feb. 19 following large‑scale, harmonised withdrawals across the EU that substantially curtailed potential exposure.
- From Dec. 19 to Feb. 13, six EU countries and the United Kingdom reported infants with gastrointestinal symptoms after consuming affected formula, with most cases mild and some hospitalisations for dehydration.
- Swiss authorities detected cereulide in two batches of recalled Danone formula, and several countries reported symptomatic infants linked to products where the toxin was found.
- French investigators are examining the deaths of three babies who consumed recalled formula, with no scientific evidence yet establishing a causal link.