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France Opens Criminal Probes as Global Infant Formula Recalls Widen Over Suspected Cereulide

Investigators are focusing on a possible contamination source in an ARA-rich oil supplied from China while companies stress the withdrawals are precautionary.

Overview

  • French prosecutors in Bordeaux and Angers are investigating two infant deaths after the babies consumed Nestlé-branded formula, with laboratory analyses still underway.
  • Authorities in France say no causal link has been established between the products and reported illnesses, and preliminary results from judicial testing are expected in roughly 10 days.
  • Lactalis has voluntarily withdrawn select lots in 18 countries, including Mexico and several Latin American markets, after complementary tests on reconstituted formula detected cereulide.
  • Nestlé and Lactalis describe the actions as precautionary and report no confirmed cases tied to their products to date, while Danone has taken targeted measures in Singapore.
  • Cereulide, a heat‑resistant toxin produced by some Bacillus cereus strains, can cause vomiting and diarrhea in infants and is difficult to detect with standard screening.