EU tightens rules for baby formula after toxin scare
BRUSSELS — The European Union on Friday announced tighter health safety rules for baby formula following a contamination scandal involving cereulide, a toxin which can cause severe vomiting in newborns. The 27 member states approved the introduction of a "permanent food safety criterion for cereulide in infant formula", the European Commission said in a statement. In December 2025 food giant…
The European Union has introduced stricter health safety regulations for baby formula following a contamination incident involving cereulide, a toxin that can lead to severe vomiting in infants. The 27 member countries have approved the establishment of a permanent food safety criterion for cereulide in infant formula, according to a statement from the European Commission.
In December 2025, the multinational food company Nestle recalled multiple infant formula batches from around 60 countries due to the potential presence of the toxin. Subsequent recalls by manufacturers such as Danone and Lactalis occurred until April 2026. The EU stated that the contamination was traced back to the use of a Chinese-imported ingredient, an oil rich in arachidonic acid.
The presence of cereulide in the products was attributed to deficiencies in the production process, as confirmed by the EU Commission. Member states have agreed upon stringent maximum safety limits for the presence of the toxin in both dried and liquid infant formula products.
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- EU tightens rules for baby formula after toxin scare koreatimes.co.kr
