PARIS, Feb 19 (Reuters) - The risk of infants being exposed to baby formula contaminated with the cereulide toxin is now low following recalls across several countries, European food and disease
EU Finds Infant Formula Cereulide Exposure Risk Low Following Recalls
Regulatory Response and Market Implications
PARIS, Feb 19 (Reuters) - The risk of infants being exposed to baby formula contaminated with the cereulide toxin is now low following recalls across several countries, European food and disease authorities said on Thursday.
Source Ingredient: ARA Oil from China
Companies Affected: Nestlé, Danone, Lactalis
Cereulide, a toxin that can cause nausea and vomiting, was detected in ingredients from a supplier in China for several infant formula makers, including Nestle, Danone and Lactalis, triggering precautionary recalls in dozens of countries and raising concerns among parents.
The recalls were initiated in December, and expanded in February after the European Food Safety Authority advised a maximum threshold for cereulide used in infant formula.
EFSA–ECDC Assessment: Exposure Risk Now Low
"As a result of the large-scale control measures implemented in the EU, the likelihood of exposure to contaminated products has decreased and is considered low," the EFSA said in a joint assessment with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
Reported Cases and Severity in Europe
As of February 13, seven European countries including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, Spain, and the United Kingdom had reported cases of infants with gastrointestinal symptoms after consuming the affected formula, they said.
Most cases involved mild symptoms, although some infants were hospitalised for dehydration.
French investigators are examining the death of three babies who had consumed infant formula covered by precautionary recalls though no causal link has been scientifically established.
Swiss Tests Confirm Cereulide in Danone Batches
Cereulide was detected in two batches of recalled Danone infant formula, Swiss authorities said on Wednesday.
Case Identification Challenges
Experts say identifying and confirming cases can be challenging because symptoms are similar to common viral stomach infections and cereulide testing is not widely available.
(Reporting by Sybille de La Hamaide; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)
