A French infant has tested positive for the toxin cereulide after consuming baby formula, the Health Ministry said on Feb 27, in the latest development in a contamination scare that has triggered recalls in more than 60 countries. The case marks the first time a French infant has tested positive for cereulide, a toxin known to cause nausea and diarrhoea, since it was first detected in December in formula containing arachidonic acid oil. The discovery has intensified scrutiny of infant formula manufacturers across Europe and beyond.
Authorities are also investigating the suspected deaths of three infants in France that may be linked to the consumption of recalled formula. A formal probe has been launched to determine whether the contaminated products played a role.
According to the Health Ministry, an initial stool test for the affected infant returned positive for cereulide. However, officials cautioned that a direct causal relationship between the toxin and the child’s symptoms has not yet been conclusively established.
“This result confirms that the child in question was exposed to this toxin,” the ministry said, adding it “may explain the symptoms”.
The ministry said the child’s medical team is working alongside toxicology experts to trace the source of the contamination and assess its clinical impact. No further medical details about the infant have been disclosed.
French public broadcaster Radio France reported that the infant was hospitalised for one night in February after consuming formula produced by dairy giant Danone. The company is among several manufacturers affected by the recalls.
In Belgium, eight infants tested positive for cereulide in February, though all reportedly experienced only mild symptoms. The cross-border cases have heightened concerns about the scale of the contamination.
Major manufacturers, including Nestle, Danone and Lactalis, have recalled infant formula products distributed in more than 60 countries since December, as regulators race to contain the fallout.
On Feb 25, the European Union imposed tighter border controls on imports of a baby milk ingredient from China identified as the source of the contamination scare. While EU authorities did not name the supplier, Chinese firm Cabio Biotech has come under scrutiny as the suspected source of the tainted ingredient.
