Nestle and Danone are facing scrutiny after questions arose about the speed of their recalls for infant formula contaminated with cereulide toxin from an ingredient supplied by China's CABIO Biotech, which was also used by Lactalis [1, 2].
Nestle first detected low levels of cereulide in product samples in late November 2025. The company stopped using all formula mixes containing the supplier’s arachidonic acid oil on December 24 after contamination was confirmed [1, 2]. Nestle notified the supplier on December 29 and continued sample analysis through January 3. Public recalls of the affected infant formulas began on January 5 [1, 2].
Radio France reported that 838,000 cans of infant formula were held back from December 26 at Nestle’s factory in northern France and other production sites [1, 2]. Investigations allege that some products already on the market remained distributed or in consumers’ homes without immediate notification to European authorities [1, 2].
Media outlets claimed Nestle carried out "silent" withdrawals of products in Austria and Germany starting December 24, and that Danone also withdrew products prior to public recalls. Nestle strongly contested the silent withdrawal allegation, with a company spokesperson calling the reports inaccurate and misleading and saying Nestle acted with full transparency and cooperated with authorities from day one [1].
Danone said it made health and safety its top priority, fully cooperating with authorities, and responding with precautionary measures including recalls and additional quality checks on its products [2].
Prosecutors in Bordeaux and Angers have ruled out any link between infant deaths and the recalled formula, though a third death is still under investigation. An investigation opened in Meaux has been transferred to Paris [1].
Authorities and both companies continue to investigate as the recall effort unfolds publicly following the January 5 recalls.
