After Nestlé, major dairy industry companies such as Danone, Lactalis and Vitagermine have begun recalling powdered infant formula from the market due to suspected contamination with cereulide, a harmful toxin that typically causes vomiting and diarrhea about 30 minutes after consumption.

The contamination is believed to have started in early December and has been traced to a Chinese supplier of ARA oil, a key ingredient in premium infant formulas. As a result, since the end of 2025, formula manufacturers worldwide have been forced to carry out risk assessments.

Nestlé has recalled hundreds of products from its infant formula lines across several European countries, including Albania.

Danone has also recalled certain types of infant formula produced in Ireland, particularly well-known brands such as Aptamil and Nutrilon, for the same reasons.

Other manufacturers, including Vitagermine, have likewise withdrawn specific baby formula products as a precautionary measure.

This is considered one of the largest global infant food safety crises in recent years.

Meanwhile, authorities in France have launched investigations into two infant deaths involving babies who had consumed formula from the recalled batches, although a causal link between the formula and the cases has not yet been confirmed.

The cereulide toxin is produced by certain strains of the bacterium Bacillus cereus and is heat-resistant, meaning it is not destroyed during formula preparation with boiling water. At higher levels, exposure through consumption may pose a risk of gastrointestinal symptoms in infants.