Finance
Nestle widens infant formula recall after France lowers toxin level
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on February 4, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 4, 2026
Quick Summary
Nestle expands its Guigoz formula recall in France due to new cereulide toxin limits, affecting global supply chains and raising safety concerns.
Nestle Expands Recall of Guigoz Infant Formula Following Toxin Level Change
Nestle's Expanded Recall of Infant Formula
By Sybille de La Hamaide
Background on Cereulide Toxin
PARIS, Feb 4 (Reuters) - Nestle widened an infant formula recall to include a batch of Guigoz after France lowered the maximum threshold for the cereulide toxin, contradicting analyst expectations that no further withdrawals would be needed from the Swiss group.
Impact of France's New Safety Regulations
Cereulide, which can cause nausea and vomiting, has been detected in ingredients from a factory in China supplying many infant formula makers, including Nestle, Danone and Lactalis. The findings have triggered recalls in dozens of countries and raised concerns among parents.
Investigations into Infant Deaths
"As methods for analyzing cereulide have evolved, we are voluntarily recalling a batch of Guigoz infant formula in addition to the batches already recalled," Nestle said on its recall alert.
ANALYSTS HAD SAID FURTHER RECALLS WERE UNLIKELY
France reduced its safety limit for cereulide on Saturday, aiming to strengthen protections after recalls widened to include other companies such as Vitagermine. The new threshold followed a meeting with the EU’s food safety authority EFSA, which issued similar advice on Monday.
Analysts at Barclays and Jefferies had said on Monday they did not expect Nestle and Danone to face additional recalls as a result of the updated limit.
Nestle had already recalled some Guigoz batches, among other brands, in France in January and December.
French investigators are looking into whether there is a link between the death of two infants and recalled Guigoz infant formula products, local prosecutors said.
The French health ministry and the company said there was no evidence of such a connection at this stage. Results are expected in the coming days.
(Reporting by Sybille de La Hamaide and Gus Trompiz; Editing by Benoit Van Overstraeten and Louise Heavens)
Key Takeaways
- •Nestle has expanded its recall of Guigoz infant formula in France.
- •The recall is due to lowered cereulide toxin thresholds.
- •Cereulide toxin can cause nausea and vomiting.
- •The recall affects multiple countries and companies.
- •Nestle's recall follows previous recalls in December and January.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nestle widens infant formula recall after France lowers toxin level
1What is a product recall?
A product recall is a request to return a product after the discovery of safety issues or product defects. It is often initiated by the manufacturer or regulatory authorities to protect consumers.
2What is cereulide toxin?
Cereulide toxin is a toxin produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus, which can cause food poisoning. Symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, particularly after consuming contaminated food.
3What is infant formula?
Infant formula is a manufactured food designed for feeding babies under 12 months old. It is intended to provide essential nutrients that babies need for growth and development.
4What is food safety?
Food safety refers to the practices and measures taken to ensure that food is safe to eat and free from harmful contaminants. This includes proper handling, cooking, and storage of food.
5What is a voluntary recall?
A voluntary recall is when a company decides to remove a product from the market due to safety concerns or defects, even if it is not legally required to do so.
