Finance
Consumer group files complaint after infant milk recalls
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on January 29, 2026
2 min readLast updated: January 29, 2026
Quick Summary
Foodwatch files a complaint in Paris against major companies for delayed infant formula recalls, citing health risks and regulatory failures.
Consumer Advocacy Group Files Complaint Over Infant Formula Recalls
Consumer Group's Legal Action
PARIS, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Consumer rights campaign group foodwatch filed a criminal complaint in Paris on Thursday on behalf of eight families whose babies it says fell ill after consuming contaminated infant formula, claiming companies waited too long to warn the public.
Several companies, including Nestle, Danone and Lactalis, have withdrawn batches of infant formula in the past month over concerns about possible contamination with a toxin cereulide that can cause nausea and vomiting.
Berlin-based non-profit foodwatch, which operates against food corporations and regulatory authorities in Europe, said babies had developed repeated vomiting, diarrhea, fever and abdominal pain, and some required hospitalisation before the recalls.
Details of the Complaint
The complaint calls for a criminal investigation into possible offences by manufacturers and alleged failures by authorities to act promptly. Foodwatch noted "silent withdrawals" in some countries and delays in consumer warnings.
Nestle said it had behaved responsibly, proactively and transparently in taking action.
"When we confirmed the oil ingredient used in some of our products as the root cause, we acted swiftly to notify authorities, proactively alert the industry, and to inform customers, partners and importantly consumers, in line with our values to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of babies everywhere," a Nestle spokesperson said.
Company Responses
Danone, Lactalis, Hochdorf, Granarolo and Vitagermine, which were all named in the complaint after recalling products, did not respond immediately to requests for comment.
Health Implications
One baby in Belgium's Flanders was confirmed ill from contaminated Nestle infant formula, local food safety authorities said last week. The baby fully recovered, they said.
Nestle said it had so far received no medical reports confirming a link to illnesses associated with its products.
French investigators are examining whether there is a link between the death of two infants and recalled formula products.
(Reporting by Sybille de La Hamaide, additional reporting by Alexander Marrow;Editing by Elaine Hardcastle)
Key Takeaways
- •Foodwatch filed a complaint over infant formula recalls.
- •Companies like Nestle and Danone are involved.
- •Complaints focus on delayed public warnings.
- •Health issues reported in infants consuming formula.
- •Investigations are ongoing in multiple countries.
Frequently Asked Questions about Consumer group files complaint after infant milk recalls
1What is infant formula?
Infant formula is a manufactured food designed for feeding babies and infants, typically made to resemble breast milk in nutritional content.
2What is a recall?
A recall is an action taken to remove a product from the market due to safety concerns or defects.
3What is consumer advocacy?
Consumer advocacy involves actions taken to protect the rights and interests of consumers, often through legal or organizational efforts.
