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Infant Formula Toxin: Nestle, Danone Face Scrutiny
19 May
Summary
- Nestle and Danone scrutinized over infant formula contamination response.
- Cereulide toxin detected in ingredient from China's CABIO Biotech.
- Recall speed questioned amid potential health risks to infants.
Nestle and Danone are facing renewed scrutiny following reports questioning their response to infant formula contaminated with cereulide, a toxin posing risks to infants. The toxin was found in an ingredient sourced from China's CABIO Biotech, impacting multiple formula manufacturers.
Allegations suggest Nestle delayed informing European authorities about the contamination, which was confirmed by December 24. While Nestle stated it acted with full transparency from 'day one' and stopped using the affected ingredient after detecting low levels in late November, reports indicate products remained in distribution channels without immediate recall.
Danone notified the supplier on December 29 and initiated recalls in January. Nestle has contested claims of 'silent' withdrawals in Austria and Germany. Meanwhile, prosecutors have ruled out links between infant deaths and recalled formula products.
