Baby Formula Toxin Risk: The baby formula industry is currently under unusual spotlight as some of the largest players in the dairy industry, including Nestle, Danone, and Lactalis, initiated precautionary recalls of baby formula in numerous countries. At the center of the current crisis is cereulide, a toxin that is not well-known but could potentially be harmful. Although there are not yet many reported cases of illness, the scope of the recalls indicates how seriously the situation is being taken by regulators and industry players. With more than 60 countries affected and safety levels being exceeded, the current crisis highlights problems in the complex global supply chain.
Why Nestlé Recalled Baby Formula
Nestle recalled a product because their internal tests showed that the cereulide levels exceeded the safety ceiling of 0.2 ng/g, which is more stringent than the new limit set by the European Food Safety Authority at 0.43 ng/g. Although the levels were very low, infant formula is considered a zero-tolerance food. This is because babies consume it as a primary source of nutrition.
Which Countries Recalled Nestlé Baby Formula?
The recall initially affected about 60 markets, spanning Europe, Asia, the Americas and the Middle East with additional batches were later withdrawn following updated EU testing methods that identified higher toxin levels in liquid formula compared to powder.
Which Ingredients Need to Be Checked?
The cause was traced to arachidonic acid (ARA) oil, a fatty acid that is added to infant formula to promote brain and eye development in infants although ARA is not harmful, the problem is believed to have occurred before it was blended into the formula. The oil constitutes only 15 mg per 100 ml of the formula, but this was still deemed unacceptable.
What is Cereulide?
Cereulide is a heat-stable toxin that is produced by certain strains of the bacterium Bacillus cereus, which is commonly found in soil and in raw food materials unlike the bacteria, the toxin is not destroyed by cooking, pasteurization or heating. After being ingested, the symptoms may appear anywhere from 30 minutes to six hours, which include vomiting and nausea in some cases, it has been linked to liver failure.
Where Cereulide is Commonly Detected
The toxin is most often associated with improperly stored cooked foods especially rice and pasta. However, it can also appear in dairy products, seafood, vegetables and oils if hygiene controls fail during processing or storage.
How Does Cereulide Form in Food
Cereulide is produced when Bacillus cereus spores wake up and grow in the right conditions: enough moisture, neutral pH and warmth although the dry powder formula itself is not conducive to growth, contamination can occur at an earlier stage of the ingredient supply chain.
How Did Cereulide Contaminate ARA Supply Chain
Experts believe that the cereulide was already present in the oil before it reached formula manufacturers although oil itself does not promote bacterial growth, cereulide is lipophilic, meaning it can easily dissolve in fats. Moreover, once it is present, heat processing will not be able to remove it and the tainted oil is linked to a Chinese-based supplier, although no charges of negligence have been filed.
Complete List of Countries Affected by the Recall
- Europe
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- North Macedonia
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Türkiye
- United Kingdom
- Ukraine
- Americas
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Chile
- Mexico
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Uruguay
- Asia & Oceania
- Australia
- China (Mainland, including cross-border e-commerce)
- Hong Kong SAR
- New Zealand
- Philippines
- Middle East & North Africa
- Bahrain
- Egypt
- Iran
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
