Nestlé aware of infant formula contamination 10 days before recall - summary
- Nestlé knew of cereulide contamination ten days before initiating recalls
- Reports indicate ARA enriched oil identified as contamination source
- Multiple manufacturers issued global recalls following toxin detection in formula
- No confirmed illnesses reported though several sickness cases remain under investigation
- Two infant deaths in France being examined for potential contamination links
In another shocking twist, it’s been revealed that food and beverage giant Nestlé was aware of the potential contamination of infant formula ten days before recalls began.
According to French publication Le Monde, “the Swiss manufacturer, was aware of the presence of cereulide in infant formula produced in the Netherlands “as early as late November, about 10 days before the first recall”.
Moreover a “high-level source” states Nestlé knew that ARA-enriched oil was the source of the contamination on 10 December, and then transmitted that information to European authorities.
Nestlé has acknowledged the delay, claiming it was waiting for a “health risk assessment” after detecting the toxin in its baby milk at a Dutch factory. But as French newspaper Le Figaro pointed out, the effects of cereulide are already well known and documented.
Ongoing investigation
The Swiss CPG, along with other manufacturers including Danone and Lactalis, conducted a global recall on batches of its infant formula products over concerns they contained the toxin cereulide, which can trigger nausea and vomiting when consumed.
It said the problem was caused by an ingredient provided by one of its suppliers. The supplier has not yet been publicly named.
There had been no confirmed reports of illness associated with the products, however, multiple sickness cases are currently under investigation, including the deaths of two infants in France.
As authorities continue to piece together the timeline, the spotlight is now firmly on the speed and transparency of industry responses.
European safety officials have stressed that investigations remain active, with further recalls possible as more information emerges.
For now, Nestlé and its peers face mounting questions over how long they knew about potential risks and whether earlier action could have mitigated consumer concerns.
Families potentially impacted by the unfolding situation are still awaiting answers, while regulators work to determine how a toxin with well‑documented health effects was able to infiltrate the supply chain undetected.
With inquiries ongoing across several countries, the incident is already prompting calls for tighter oversight of ingredient sourcing and faster reporting obligations in the infant nutrition sector.
Nestlé is yet to respond to request for comment.
