Infant formula contamination dates back to 2024

An investigation has revealed that a tainted ingredient used in infant formula was first supplied toward the end of 2024 and contamination persisted throughout 2025.

Multiple countries have reported infants with gastrointestinal symptoms following the consumption of infant formula. Investigations are trying to find out if the formulas were the vehicle of illness. Most cases had mild gastrointestinal symptoms but hospitalization because of dehydration has been reported.

Nestlé, Lactalis and Danone are among eight companies that have recalled products following the detection of cereulide – a toxin produced by Bacillus cereus. The toxin can cause nausea, vomiting and stomach pain, 30 minutes to six hours after ingestion.

Cereulide was found in arachidonic acid (ARA) oil, a raw material from a Chinese supplier. Samples of formula products consumed by infants have tested positive for cereulide, with some having shelf dates lasting until 2027.

Cereulide contamination of infant nutrition products was first identified by Nestlé in its Nunspeet manufacturing plant in the Netherlands in late November 2025 and supplies were then blocked. A recall was issued on Dec. 10, 2025.

An analysis of 65 ARA oil batches received from the Chinese producer between April 2023 and October 2025 revealed contamination dated back to October 2024 and persisted throughout 2025, with the highest concentration in deliveries in July 2025.

In January 2026, the European Commission asked the International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN) to contact Chinese authorities to get information about the contaminated batches of ARA oil from the Chinese producer, as well as their distribution, the root cause analysis, and remedial action taken. This information has not yet been provided.

Suspected patients by country
Confirming cases is challenging because symptoms may resemble common viral gastrointestinal infections and testing for cereulide in stool samples is not routinely available, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

Belgium has eight infants who tested positive based on clinical samples. All eight had recalled infant formula. Cereulide was detected in formula products consumed by five of the infants.

Spain reported 41 infants with gastrointestinal symptoms that had a history of consuming products that were part of the recall. The Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office in Switzerland has received 20 reports of suspected cases. Of three samples of formula from the homes of families, two contained cereulide.

In Luxembourg, clinical samples were negative for three infants, but the formula consumed by one of them was positive. In France, 11 infants who were hospitalized are under investigation. Five of them consumed recalled infant formula, but this information is not known for the other six.

The Danish Veterinary, Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Agency has been contacted by parents of 32 infants who developed symptoms after the recall in December 2025. Some infants consumed recalled batches of infant formula but others had different batches. The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) has received more than 100 reports of children who may have become ill after drinking infant formula, according to local media. 

Austria reported four infants who fell ill shortly after having infant formula. For one infant, cereulide was detected in the formula consumed. Two infants consumed products that were part of a recalled batch, and one consumed formula from a non-recalled batch. The children, aged up to 11 months, fell ill in January and February 2026 and one child was hospitalized.

In the United Kingdom, there are 44 infants with symptoms following consumption of recalled formula. Testing has confirmed the presence of cereulide. Singapore has reported three cases who consumed the affected products with symptoms likely associated with cereulide exposure.