Finance
France tightens infant milk rules after recalls
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on January 31, 2026
2 min readLast updated: January 31, 2026
Quick Summary
France reduces cereulide toxin limits in infant formula following recalls, aligning with EU guidance to enhance safety.
France Lowers Infant Formula Safety Limits Following Recalls
New Regulations on Infant Formula Safety
PARIS, Jan 31 (Reuters) - France has lowered the safety limit for cereulide toxin in infant formula, aiming to strengthen protections after several major groups ordered worldwide recalls over contamination concerns, the farm ministry said on Saturday.
Cereulide, which can cause nausea and vomiting, has been detected in ingredients from a factory in China supplying a large number of baby formula makers including Nestle, Danone and Lactalis, triggering recalls in dozens of countries and raising concerns among parents.
The new threshold will be of 0.014 micrograms of cereulide per kg of body mass, compared to 0.03 micrograms per kg currently, the ministry said in a statement.
Impact of Lowered Safety Threshold
France's move follows a European Union meeting on January 28 and is in line with an updated guidance from the European Food Safety Authority that will be released on Monday, it said.
Investigations and Consumer Actions
The lower threshold is likely to lead to further withdrawals in France in the coming days, it added.
The recalls illustrate how a single compromised ingredient can spread through the infant nutrition supply chain, despite tight regulation, and cause rapid market jitters.
French investigators said on January 23 they are looking into whether there is a link between the death of two infants and recalled formula products.
On Thursday, consumer group foodwatch said it had filed a criminal complaint in Paris 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.
(Reporting by Sybille de La Hamaide; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)
Key Takeaways
- •France lowers cereulide toxin limits in infant formula.
- •New safety threshold set at 0.014 micrograms per kg.
- •Recalls affected major brands like Nestle and Danone.
- •European Food Safety Authority updates guidance.
- •Investigations into potential infant deaths ongoing.
Frequently Asked Questions about France tightens infant milk rules after recalls
1What are infant formula safety limits?
Infant formula safety limits refer to the maximum allowable levels of harmful substances, such as toxins, in baby formula to ensure it is safe for consumption by infants.
2What is a product recall?
A product recall is an action taken to remove a defective or potentially harmful product from the market. It is often initiated by the manufacturer or regulatory authorities to protect consumers.