Infant formula contamination deaths investigation summary
- French authorities investigate two infant deaths to establish if they are linked to recalled formula
- Nestlé, Danone and Lactalis recalled products from Dutch factory
- No scientific evidence yet confirms causal link to formula
- Cereulide contamination triggered global recalls and regulatory investigations wider
- Investigations examine manufacturing controls supply chains and consumer safety
French authorities are investigating the deaths of two infants, who are reported to have consumed contaminated infant formula.
Following news of the infant deaths, a Nestlé spokesperson said: “We are thinking of all those affected and express our sincerest condolences to the grieving families in question. As stated by the French authorities in their public communications, at this stage nothing indicates any link between these tragic events in these two instances and the consumption of our products.
“We continue to follow developments with due attention and remain at the disposal of the authorities, cooperating with complete transparency to provide any clarification required, as we have done from the outset of this recall.”
It’s now confirmed that Nestlé, Danone and Lactalis all sourced potentially contaminated infant formula from the Dutch factory at the centre of the recall. All three manufacturers have carried out global recalls.
Authorities have been quick to emphasise that there is no current evidence to suggest the deaths were linked to the baby formula products, and that investigations are ongoing.
“Two reports of infant deaths have been brought to the attention of the health authorities, involving children who were reported to have consumed the infant formula affected by the recalls. To date, no causal link has been scientifically established,” the French health ministry said in a statement.
It went on to say that “further analyses are underway and these cases are being investigated by the relevant public prosecutors”.
Ongoing contamination concerns
News that infant formula had potentially been infected with cereulide broke earlier this month when Nestlé put out a global recall on its products.
At the time the Swiss multinational said that there had been no confirmed reports of illness associated with the products and that the action was “out of an abundance of caution”.
It went onto say the safety and wellbeing of babies is the company’s “absolute priority”.
Since the recall was announced, five children are believed to have possibly been infected - two in Brazil, one in the United Kingdom, and now two in France.
What is cereulide?
Cereulide is a toxin produced by some strains of Bacillus cereus, Bacillus megaterium and related species. It is a potent cytotoxin that destroys mitochondria. It causes nausea and vomiting.
Ongoing investigation
French and European health authorities are now working to trace the full distribution of the affected batches and determine how the contamination occurred at the Dutch production site.
Inspectors are examining manufacturing processes, hygiene controls and testing protocols, while companies involved have been ordered to cooperate fully with the investigation.
In the meantime, parents and caregivers have been advised to check product batch numbers carefully and to stop using any formula included in the recalls, returning it to retailers or manufacturers. Health officials have stressed that consumers should not panic, but should remain vigilant and seek medical advice if infants show unusual symptoms.
As the inquiry continues, the case is likely to intensify scrutiny of infant formula supply chains across Europe, renewing calls from consumer groups for stricter oversight and faster public communication when potential risks are identified. Further findings from prosecutors and health agencies are expected in the coming weeks.
Danone and Lactalis have not yet responded to request for comment.
