Micah Jonah
January 31, 2026
France has announced plans to impose stricter limits on the acceptable level of a toxin known as cereulide in infant formula following the recall of potentially contaminated products distributed to more than 60 countries.
The move comes after several infant formula manufacturers recalled batches in recent weeks over fears they could be contaminated with cereulide, a toxin that can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. The situation has raised fresh concerns about food safety standards in the infant nutrition industry.
French authorities said the new maximum threshold for cereulide exposure will be set at 0.014 micrograms per kilogram of body weight, a reduction from the previous limit of 0.03 micrograms per kilogram.
The French agriculture ministry said protecting infant health remains its highest priority, adding that the country has decided to move ahead of emerging scientific recommendations by tightening safety standards.
The recalls have also brought increased scrutiny on Cabio Biotech, a Chinese firm that supplies ingredients used in infant formula is suspected of being linked to the contamination.
The European Commission has asked the European Food Safety Authority to develop a unified standard for cereulide levels in children’s products, with an official opinion expected on February 2.
Several major manufacturers, including Nestle, Danone and Lactalis, have recalled infant formula products in France and other countries since December. Nestle said it followed existing procedures, noting the absence of specific European regulations on cereulide in food products.
Laboratory experts have explained that while testing for bacteria in the Bacillus cereus family is common, checks specifically for cereulide are not usually part of routine screening. However, demand for such tests has increased amid the recent recalls.
French authorities have also opened an investigation into the deaths of two infants in December and January who were believed to have consumed possibly contaminated powdered milk. Investigators have not yet confirmed a direct link between the milk and the reported symptoms.
