Finance
EU advises lower toxin limit in baby formula after global recalls
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on February 2, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 2, 2026
Quick Summary
The EU proposes reducing cereulide toxin limits in baby formula, prompting recalls. Major brands affected include Nestle and Danone.
EU advises lower toxin limit in baby formula after global recalls
EU's Recommendations on Toxin Limits
By Sybille de La Hamaide
Background on Cereulide Toxin
PARIS, Feb 2 (Reuters) - The EU's food safety body said on Monday the threshold for the cereulide toxin at the centre of a global infant formula recall should be cut by more than half, a move likely to prompt further product withdrawals.
Implications for Infant Health
Cereulide, a toxin that can cause nausea and vomiting, has been detected in ingredients from a Chinese factory supplying major formula makers including Nestle, Danone and Lactalis.
Investigation into Infant Deaths
The contamination triggered infant formula recalls in dozens of countries and fuelled concerns among parents.
The European Commission asked the European Food Safety Authority to provide an urgent scientific threshold, known as an acute reference dose (ARfD), to guide governments and producers on when products should be pulled from shelves.
France, which anticipated EFSA's advice over the weekend, said that a tighter threshold would likely lead to additional precautionary recalls.
In its assessment, EFSA proposed a new limit of 0.014 micrograms per kilogram of body weight for infants, saying very young babies process substances differently and require extra protection. It said vomiting was the key short-term symptom used to set the threshold.
EFSA also estimated how much formula infants are likely to drink in a 24-hour period, allowing scientists to calculate when the new limit would be exceeded.
Based on those consumption levels, EFSA said that cereulide concentrations above 0.054 micrograms per litre in infant formula and 0.1 micrograms per litre in follow-on formula could pose a safety concern.
French investigators are looking into whether there is a link between the death of two infants and recalled formula products, the health ministry said, adding that there was no such evidence at this point. Results were expected in the coming days.
(Reporting by Sybille de La Hamaide; Editing by Ros Russell)
Key Takeaways
- •EU advises reducing cereulide toxin limits in baby formula.
- •Global recalls of infant formula due to contamination concerns.
- •New toxin threshold proposed by European Food Safety Authority.
- •Potential link investigated between formula and infant deaths.
- •Major brands like Nestle and Danone affected by recalls.
Frequently Asked Questions about EU advises lower toxin limit in baby formula after global recalls
1What is cereulide?
Cereulide is a toxin produced by the bacteria Bacillus cereus, which can cause food poisoning, particularly in infants. It can lead to symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
2What is the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)?
EFSA is an agency of the European Union responsible for assessing risks associated with the food chain. It provides scientific advice and communicates on existing and emerging food safety issues.
