German company made the infant formula linked to botulism outbreak
The manufacturer uses milk from 100 contract farmers who supply it with more than a million liters of milk every day. Coral Beach. Food Safety News FSN
Outbreak Investigation of Infant Botulism: Powdered Infant Formula (June 2026). Do not use Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula. FDA’s Investigation is ongoing.
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Nestlé launches the ‘Family Net’ to reassure parents in India while getting paediatricians to reassure parents. Nestlé used a similar tactic in Egypt in March
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EU Drafting Legislation to Require Checks for Cereulide Toxin in Infant Formula
Infant feed security and formula safety in the UK. Recommendations from the cereulide toxin formula contamination and recall event. Rachel Childs May 2026. First Steps Nutrition
Media coverage on the report: Daily EXPress p18 (003) Daily Mail p16 (002)The times bmj-2026-879495.full
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What Czech Children Have Been Drinking: Toxin Found in Baby Formula in Belgium; Results Are Alarming.
May 13, 2026, Seznam Zprávy. What Czech children have been drinking May 2026 (Eng Deepl) https://www.seznamzpravy.cz/clanek/domaci-zivot-v-cesku-co-pily-ceske-deti-v-belgii-zmerili-toxin-ve-vyzive-vysledky-jsou-alarmujici-307681?fbclid=IwRlRTSAScd3FleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEefx6iv-ELiJKG21mokUn_l0jGUzkh-ENPWqPE1s1rpqVPYzJKWw4XInXKtyA_aem_jIoLAj0pgjrZYx-_O4EVqw.
IBFAN Contamination Presentation (March 26)
SMA Facebook parents responses PLUS
What cereulide and botulism reveal about infant nutrition safety
French TV Documentaries
France Télévisions Report. 26/03/2026
Laits Infantiles: Du Poison dans les Biberons? Infant Formula: Poison in Baby Bottles?
A report by Sonia Sadone, Guillaume Marque, Loup Krikorian, Elouën Martin, and Antonin Benard. Air date: March 26, 2026.
Since the beginning of January 2026, infant formula recalls have been occurring in France, causing concern among many parents. “Envoyé Spécial” met with families affected by recalled formula suspected of being contaminated with cereulide toxin. Three babies have died, and even today, the exact circumstances of their deaths remain shrouded in mystery. In this report, the families recount their struggle to obtain answers, supported by associations that assist them in their legal proceedings, while several complaints have been filed and five judicial investigations are now underway.
Beyond the personal accounts, “Envoyé Spécial” attempts to understand how such contamination could have occurred. The investigation also extends to Europe, interviewing authorities and industry stakeholders to shed light on the unanswered questions surrounding this crisis. It also shines a spotlight on infant formula, a complex product with often opaque industrial production processes. A report by Sonia Sadone, Guillaume Marque, Loup Krikorian, Elouën Martin, and Antonin Benard. Air date: March 26, 2026
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https://www.dairyreporter.com/Article/2026/05/12/cereulide-botulism-and-the-safety-gaps-in-infant-nutrition/#cxrecs_s
Lait infantile: chronique d’un scandale mondial
(Infant formula: chronicle of a global scandal) 17.03.2026 39 min. ABe RTS
Parti du rappel d’un produit Nestlé dans quelques pays de l’UE, c’est devenu une crise au niveau mondial avec plus de 800 références de lait infantile contaminées, dans 60 pays. De quoi sont composés ces laits pour nourrissons ? Les autorités suisses ont-elles pris les mesures adéquates ? Les fabr…
https://www.rts.ch/play/tv/a-bon-entendeur/video/lait-infantile-chronique-dun-scandale-mondial?urn=urn:rts:video:8d3a8f97-31a4-3ced-b594-ad475ea99739
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World Health Organization (13 March 2026). Disease Outbreak News; Recall of internationally distributed infant formula and products containing ARA oil due to contamination with cereulide toxin. Available at: https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON596
European Union. In 2026, DG SANTE activated the network of food and feed crisis coordinators in response to the detection of cereulide in infant formula. Several measures were implemented at the EU level to address this incident.
- Minutes of the meeting of crisis coordinators for food and feed safety (28 January 2026)
- EFSA Rapid Risk Assessment (RRA) on the acute reference dose (ARfD) of cereulide in infants and information on acute consumption of infant formulae (EFSA Journal, Pub 9941)
- DG SANTE letter (30/01/2026) to Member States on the application of the EFSA RRA
- Recommended protocol for sample preparation for the determination of cereulide in infant formula
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/459 of 24 February 2026 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 as regards the temporary increase of official controls and emergency measures governing the entry into the Union of arachidonic acid oil originating in China
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European news
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Hearing in the European Parliament in Brussels on 24th March 1996:
https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/webstreaming/envi-committee-meeting_20260324-0900-COMMITTEE-ENVI
COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2026/459 of 24 February 2026. amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 as regards the temporary increase of official controls and emergency measures governing the entry into the Union of arachidonic acid oil originating in China
Whereas:
- (1) Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 (3) lays down rules on the imposition of special conditions governing the entry into the Union of certain consignments of food and feed from certain third countries due to the risk of contamination by mycotoxins, including aflatoxins, pesticide residues, microbiological contamination, Sudan dyes, and plant toxins listed in Annex II to that Implementing Regulation.
- (2) Notifications in the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (‘RASFF’) established by Regulation (EC) No 178/2002, together with follow-up investigations carried out by the competent authorities of the Member States concerned, have identified the presence of cereulide toxin in infant formula.
- (3) The follow-up investigations of the information received from RASFF notifications have provided evidence that arachidonic acid oil originating in China and used in the manufacture of infant formula constitutes the source of contamination……
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meetdocs/2024_2029/plmrep/COMMITTEES/ENVI/DV/2026/03-24/OJ_L_202600459_EN_TXT.EN.pdf
Whistleblower Protection Act Fails to Protect | Yasmine Motarjemi posted on the topic | LinkedIn
linkedin.com
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/yasmine-motarjemi-81891516_note-to-french-authorities-re-nestl%C3%A9-whistleblowing-activity-7441037406532702208-iMXK/?utm_medium=ios_app&rcm=ACoAAANWw1QBIVBdyMU6ExR534nXVos19MvNyfU&utm_source=social_share_send&utm_campaign=whatsapp
Disease Outbreak News. International food safety event: Infant formula and products containing arachidonic acid oil contaminated with cereulide toxin – Multi-country
https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON596
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https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41781599.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
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Baby Formula Recall Update: Cans Causing Fatal Illness Still Sold in Stores
https://www.newsweek.com/baby-formula-recall-botulism-byheart-expiration-date-11733477?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook#Echobox=1774617920
PUBLISHED. MAR 25, 2026
Inside the high-stakes business battle over feeding preterm babies
| KFF Health News. https://eu.usatoday.com/story/money/2026/03/29/corporate-battle-over-infant-formula-for-preterm-babies/89319834007/
Regulatory Alert – EU – Industry News
EU Cracks Down on Cereulide Risk in ARA Oil from the Chinese Mainland. 03 March 2026
Lait contaminé : des familles accusent le ministère de la Santé d’entraver les investigations et saisissent le Conseil d’État
https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2026/02/outbreak-of-botulism-traced-to-byheart-infant-formula-declared-over/
Outbreak of botulism traced to ByHeart infant formula declared over
Food Safety News First patient became sick in December 2023. by CORAL BEACH
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- Europe Dairy News
BABY FORMULA RECALL DELAYED | NESTLÉ FACE CRIMINAL PROBE OVER FORMULA RECALL
https://www.moneycontrol.com/europe/?url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/nestl-s-70-billion-infant-nutrition-business-faces-twin-pressures-on-sugar-and-safety-13840699.html
https://news.sky.com/story/more-than-60-sick-babies-linked-to-toxic-baby-formula-says-uk-health-security-agency-13515570
More than 60 sick babies linked to toxic baby formula, says UK Health Security Agency
The toxin was introduced into the formula via an ingredient, an oil, produced by a third-party supplier and shared by both Nestle and Danone. North of England correspondent @kvittozzi
Kendamil recalls infant formula with whole milk due to toxin risk
CFIA is advising people not to consume, use, sell, serve or distribute the recalled products
https://torontosun.com/news/national/kendamil-recalls-infant-formula-with-whole-milk-due-to-toxin-risk
“European-based company Kendal Nutricare said cereulide has been recently associated with arachidonic acid oil, a source of Omega 6, and that during a short supply disruption, the company used a different oil supply than usual for two batches of infant formula sold at Costco in Canada.
Kendamil’s notice states: “Health Canada has requested this precautionary withdrawal of any batches whose ingredient source could in theory be impacted. This is irrespective of lab testing results for the specific batches that demonstrate compliance with strict safety limits set by the scientific community and now being adopted internationally.”
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When the system breaks down. Interview with Maude Bonvin, La Liberté February 20, 2026. Yasmine Liberte 20.2.26
Yasmine Motarjemi knows the Vevey-based giant Nestlé intimately, having worked there for about ten years as head of food safety. In her book, *What the Nestlé Empire Is Hiding From You*, she details three other infant formula incidents that can shed light on the current situation. Now retired, this public health professional and former scientist with the World Health Organization waged a long legal battle, which she won in 2023 against the multinational for psychological harassment in the workplace. Today, drawing on her experience, she advocates for improved food safety management.
1.Does the contaminated Nestlé infant formula surprise you? No, I expected such an incident, and there will be others. Working in the food industry is inherently a delicate business, because the food chain is complex and globalized, health risks are numerous, and human error is inevitable. Zero risk doesn’t exist, and incidents can always happen. It’s like driving, where a motorist can never rule out a car accident. The important thing is to avoid negligence and take every precaution to prevent them. However, health incidents turn into scandals when they are poorly managed. Moreover, my experience at Nestlé taught me that there were shortcomings in product safety management and incident handling. I tried to report them at the time, but without much success. Which, in itself, is a failure of their system.
2.Whose fault is it? First and foremost, Nestlé’s. A company is always responsible for managing the safety of its products and must handle any incidents as effectively as possible to minimize consumer exposure. In this case, there are many unknowns because there is no transparency about what actually happened.I now doubt management’s ability to deal with such situations, as it seems to me they lack experience in managing health crises.
3.Another culprit? The authorities. Look at the Crans-Montana fire. There are failings in the oversight of bars, just as there are in factories. Regulatory bodies cannot shirk their responsibility to monitor businesses. The lack of response from health authorities is, in fact, the most scandalous aspect of the contaminated milk affair. As in so many other cases, we are still waiting for explanations from them about what really happened. The authorities are also not trying to explain how the crisis was managed. They believe they did their job once the product recall was carried out, without learning any lessons from the crisis to prevent a future scandal.
4.But can’t the cantons test every product that comes onto the market? It’s not about systematic testing, but rather about checks or investigations. It’s more about ensuring that companies have the necessary skills, infrastructure, and procedures to manage the safety of their products and any potential food safety incidents.
5.Is Nestlé well-equipped in this regard? I doubt it. Regarding the recall of contaminated batches of baby formula, the company claimed to be acting “out of an abundance of caution” and described the incident as a “quality issue.” Its communication doesn’t seem to have grasped the scale of the problem. It’s cynical, especially when it concerns the health of infants. Food safety is about prevention. We shouldn’t wait for deaths to occur before taking action.
6 How can we prevent another scandal?First, the prevention and management of this incident should be investigated, and if negligence is found, those responsible should be held accountable. The regulator allows companies to act independently and doesn’t clearly assign responsibility for preventing and managing incidents. Accountability is not part of the Swiss system. Politicians are reluctant to change it so as not to unsettle businesses too much. Nevertheless, Nestlé is still more exposed than a shoe manufacturer. To prevent future scandals, I suggest analyzing past events, learning from them—for example, regarding our legislative or judicial shortcomings, infrastructure—and strengthening the system. This is the principle of “continuous improvement” in food safety management.
Czech Republic
16th February. Aktualne.cz: Experts shocked by the sluggish response to defective baby food. https://zpravy.aktualne.cz/domaci/zdravotnictvi-22850dba-908b-4192-badc-0e7f1c003a00/obrovske-selhani-slo-o-zivot-experty-sokovala-liknavost-s-vadnou-kojeneckou-vyzivou/r~aaa29baf1350b4cfde287e90c97db476/
12th February Seznam Zprávy: Czechia suspects infant formula poisoning; the state delayed warning the public. https://www.seznamzpravy.cz/clanek/domaci-zivot-v-cesku-dve-podezreni-na-otravu-kojeneckym-mlekem-v-cesku-varovaly-urady-pozde-298681#utm_content=ribbonnews&utm_term=Kopecká&utm_medium=hint&utm_source=search.seznam.cz
6th February: Manufacturers are recalling infant formula containing toxins: Prague reports the first cases of health problems. https://denikn.cz/1963295/vyrobci-stahuji-kojeneckou-vyzivu-obsahuje-toxiny-z-wu-chanu/
France 24. Investigation into a third infant death linked to infant formula recalls FRACE
Published: February 12, 2026 The autopsy of a baby who died in early February near Toulouse has not ruled out the possibility that his death was linked to the consumption of infant formula, even though the box of milk used was not among the recently recalled batches, the Toulouse public prosecutor’s office said on Wednesday. For more information, France 24 welcomes Quentin Guillemain, president of the Association for Children’s Health, which has officially referred the matter to the Defender of Rights and called for the precautionary principle to be applied.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
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French Ministry of Health
https://sante.gouv.fr/actualites-presse/actualites-du-ministere/article/retraits-rappels-de-laits-infantiles-information-et-recommandations-aux-parents
Retraits-rappels de laits infantiles : information et recommandations aux parents
29.01.26. Recommendations for parents whose children may have consumed one of the batches affected by the recalls
Anyone who has purchased products from the affected batches is advised to stop consuming them, even if their child has no symptoms.
The possible symptoms of poisoning from the toxin that led to the recalls are those of acute gastroenteritis. In infants, this manifests as early and repeated vomiting, which may be accompanied by diarrhea and moderate to high fever. If persistent digestive symptoms occur after consuming these products, it is recommended that you consult a doctor and inform them of this consumption. In case of emergency, call 911. In the event of serious symptoms requiring hospitalization after consumption of one of the batches affected by the recalls: parents are asked to keep the affected boxes in a safe place and to report the incident on the Signal Conso website, specifying the brand and batch number of the product and the reason for the report. If necessary, these boxes may be collected by the Departmental Directorate for Population Protection (DDPP) in your area of residence for analysis of the milk powder.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
3d death. translation:
As of 11/02/2026, three reports of infant deaths have been brought to the attention of the French health authorities involving children for whom consumption of infant formula subject to withdrawal and recall measures was reported. To date, no causal link has been scientifically established. Judicial investigations are ongoing regarding these reports.
In addition, around fifty reports have been submitted by the Regional Health Agencies (ARS), including fourteen hospitalizations with suspected consumption of recalled batches. Of these fourteen hospitalizations, consumption of a recalled formula was confirmed in eight cases; however, no causal link has been established with regard to the cereulide toxin. All hospitalized children have since returned home. All of these reports are being actively monitored by the health authorities.
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Toxin behind formula recall is largely unregulated
Nestlé backs global cereulide standards as recalls grow
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UK House of Lords: Baby Milk Powder: Cereulide – Question in the House of Lords at 3:37 pm on 4 February 2026.
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FoodWatch.ACTUALITÉS 23.01.2026. Laits infantiles Nestlé, Danone, Lactalis, etc. contaminés : chronologie d’un scandale sanitaire mondial
36 UK infants ill after drinking contaminated baby formula
https://madden-finucane.com/2026/02/06/36-uk-infants-ill-after-drinking-contaminated-baby-formula/
WARNING FOR PARENTS IN SPAIN AS BABY FORMULA IS RECALLED AFTER FIVE BABIES ARE HOSPITALISED OVER TOXIN FEARS
RECALLS of baby formula in Spain have prompted urgent warnings to parents after several infants were hospitalised from potentially contaminated products. Parents in Spain are being urged to check infant formula products after five babies were hospitalised with vomiting and gastrointestinal symptoms linked to milk contaminated with a bacterial toxin. Three other infants also became ill but did not require hospital treatment. All eight babies have since been discharged and are recovering.
Authorities also order 390 cans of Aptamil Profutura milk formula from Germany be taken off shelves
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MALTA: Health warning issued for 11 different baby formulas
Formulas recalled due to toxin fears.
Health authorities have issued warnings about 11 different infant formulas, with parents warned to check batches they have for potential contamination.The recalls and warnings impact various batches of formula manufactured by Cow & Gate, Aptamil and Bebelac All the impacted batches may contain a toxin called cereulide that can cause food poisoning symptoms such as vomiting, nausea and stomach cramps. Cereulide is highly heat stable, meaning it can survive being in boiling water.
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Laits infantiles : l’Association pour la santé des enfants annonce saisir la Défenseure des droits
Elle demande “une enquête approfondie sur les manquements possibles des autorités sanitaires et des industriels” qui aboutisse à “des recommandations fortes et contraignantes afin qu’un tel scandale ne puisse plus se reproduire”.
More samples of recalled Nestlé baby milk formula in Hong Kong show traces of toxin
Hong Kong authorities have found traces of a toxin in another five samples of Nestlé baby milk formula. It is the second such discovery since batches of the firm’s products were withdrawn over contamination fears. The Centre for Food Safety said on February 2, 2026, that during ongoing follow-up investigations, five samples among 22 batches recalled earlier tested positive for the toxin cereulide, produced by the Bacillus cereus bacterium. Authorities found traces of the toxin in five samples from four recalled batches, more than two weeks after the products were removed from shelves.
Centre for Food Safety says a local retailer sold a small quantity of the formula batch suspected to contain cereulide
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The infant formula industry was warned about Botulism long before an Outbreak.Bill Marler