An international incident is shaking up the infant formula industry: the FSA confirmed a toxin (cereulide) in some Nestlé and Danone batches. Investigations are underway, and companies are working to clarify the source.Over the past few days, there has been international concern regarding several brands of infant formula produced by Nestlé and Danone. A possible contamination was suspected, and after a cautious approach, the news finally arrived from the Food Standards Agency (FSA). The British authority confirmed the presence of a toxin called cereulide, a substance produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus, which can cause gastrointestinal disorders. At this point, the recall of the affected products seemed inevitable, with the agency itself suggesting finding alternatives for food safety reasons.

It all started in the first few days of the year, when the UK’s FSA issued a warning about the recall of some Nestlé infant formulas because they contained cereulide. In a statement reported by The Guardian, Jodie Wild, head of the FSA’s incidents unit, explained that the agency is urgently tracing all products that may have used ingredients from this supplier. “We need to ensure that all affected batches are removed from the market as a matter of urgency,” Wild explained. “The recalls are due to the presence of cereulide, a toxin that can cause vomiting and nausea, and if further recalls are necessary, we will announce them immediately.”Through further investigation, scientists discovered the source of the contamination: arachidonic acid oil (ARA), an additive used to enrich infant formula because it promotes neurological development in infants.