France Investigates Baby Formula Manufacturers Amid Toxin Scare

Sun Feb 15 2026 02:32:00 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Prosecutors in Paris are probing five baby formula producers, including Nestlé and Danone, over toxin contamination that triggered recalls across more than 60 countries.

In light of mass recalls due to potential toxin contamination in baby formula, Paris prosecutors have launched investigations into Nestlé, Danone, and other manufacturers. Following reports of infants becoming ill, authorities aim to determine any criminal liability linked to the distribution of contaminated products. A linked ingredient has raised concerns, as at least 36 infants in the UK have shown symptoms of food poisoning related to these formulas.

Prosecutors in Paris have opened investigations into five baby formula manufacturers after several issued mass recalls over concerns their product contained a toxin.

Nestle, Lactalis, Danone, Babybio, and La Marque en moins are being probed for potential criminal wrongdoing linked to the dissemination of baby formula that may have been contaminated with cereulide.

French authorities have received complaints from eight individuals who reported their child vomited after consuming baby formula. Last week, Nestle and Danone recalled products in over 60 countries, including the UK, due to potentially contaminated batches.

As many as 36 infants in the UK have been affected by suspected food poisoning after consuming these formulas. The toxin, cereulide, is resistant to cooking and can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.

The contamination is associated with an ingredient called arachidonic acid (ARA) oil, which is included to mimic the growth properties of breast milk. Evidence suggests that a third-party supplier, identified as a Chinese firm known as Wuhan-based Cabio Biotech, was responsible for the tainting and it is no longer being used.

China's national market regulator has mandated domestic baby formula producers to test for cereulide. Parisian prosecutors are seeking to determine whether the manufacturers bear responsibility for the distribution of tainted products.

Authorities are also investigating a possible correlation between the contaminated formula and the deaths of three babies in France, although Nestle and France's health ministry stress that there is currently no evidence to support this link.

As of now, 28 batches of baby formula produced by Nestle and Danone have been recalled. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to check their supplies at home for these products.

Nestle announced plans to operate five factories continuously to boost baby formula production. The locations include France, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. We are focused on increasing the availability of infant formula to meet demand, providing parents and families with high quality products they can trust, the company stated.