Earlier this month, Nestlé actioned an urgent recall across several key European markets including the UK.
Specific batches of the Swiss food and drink giant’s SMA infant formula have been affected, with products in Germany, Italy, Austria, Spain, Denmark, Sweden and Finland known to have been affected.
The incident has seen Nestlé baby food sales suspended in more than 60 countries globally, amounting to what the company is calling its biggest-ever preventative recall.
The recall is due to the discovery that some of these batches may contain the toxin cereulide, which can cause nausea and vomiting when ingested.
It has now been discovered that the contamination can be traced to a single Chinese supplier of ARA (arachidonic acid) oil, a vital ingredient in premium infant formulas.
As a result, French dairy firm Lactalis has now recalled six batches of its Picot infant formula brand, distributed across 18 countries.
The affected lots have been on sale since January 2025 with expiration dates up to March 2027.
In statement delivered to Euronews, a Lactalis spokesperson said: “Upon receiving this alert, and in parallel with the analyses requested from the supplier of the ingredient concerned, LNS (Lactalis Nutrition Santé) immediately initiated testing through an accredited independent laboratory to assess the potentially affected products.
“All our products are manufactured in line with strict food safety and quality standards and undergo rigorous testing before leaving our factories.”
The company added that the products have been blocked as a precaution.
“All controls confirm that the products are safe and fully compliant with international and local regulations and no irregularities or deviations in relation Bacillus cereus and Good Manufacturing Practices have been identified.”
Danone, another French dairy powerhouse, has also seen its baby formula products affected by the contamination. It has actioned a smaller recall which currently only affects one batch produced in Thailand which was recalled at the request of Singapore’s Food Agency before reaching the market.
French authorities are now examining whether the contamination could be connected to the death of a newborn, although it should be stressed that for now, no link has been confirmed.
