France has opened an investigation into the deaths of two infants, possibly caused by drinking infant formula contaminated with the toxin "cereulide," which has already been recalled from the market.
On 22 January 2026, the French Ministry of Health launched an investigation into the deaths of two infants amid suspicions that they might be linked to consumption of infant formula recalled from the market due to contamination with the toxin "cereulide," produced by bacteria and capable of causing severe diarrhea and vomiting.
Prosecutors in Bordeaux, southwestern France, revealed that one of the deceased was a two-week-old infant who died on 8 January after drinking formula from a batch later recalled. The infant's mother informed authorities this week that her child had consumed Nestlé formula from the recalled batch.
French Health Minister Stéphanie Rist announced that all suspected infant formula batches have been removed from the market and urged consumers to trust the government's control measures.
The infant formula industry in France and Europe has faced significant disruption in recent weeks after several companies announced recalls of multiple batches due to cereulide contamination risks. On 6 January, Nestlé announced recalls of certain infant formula batches across several European countries, emphasizing full cooperation with the investigation and stating there is currently no evidence linking their products to the infant deaths.
Meanwhile, Danone stated it would recall some infant formula batches in certain French markets to align with the latest food safety guidelines. This voluntary measure is preventive. Previously, Singapore authorities recalled Dumex brand infant formula, part of the French food giant's portfolio.
Source: France24