French prosecutors are investigating companies like Danone over contaminated baby formula
A crisis over contaminated baby formula has escalated in recent weeks, with repeated product recalls across multiple markets. On Friday, the Paris public prosecutor announced the opening of investigations into five baby formula manufacturers, amid growing concern among parents and investors.
The investigation involves potentially contaminated infant nutrition products distributed by Danone and privately held Lactalis, as well as smaller brands Babybio and La Marque en Moins.
The recalls were issued due to possible contamination with cereulide, a heat-stable toxin that can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea when consumed. While symptoms typically resolve within a day, more serious complications can occur in some cases.
The Paris prosecutor said the investigations were opened on the grounds of “deception regarding goods posing a danger to human health,” an offense punishable by up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to 3.75 million euros ($4.45 million). The prosecutor’s office said it took up the case due to the large number of complaints filed across the country.
In addition, the French Health Ministry is examining three reported infant deaths in cases where recalled formula had been consumed. On Feb. 11, authorities said no causal link had yet been established and that judicial investigations are ongoing.
Recalls have so far been carried out in more than 60 countries worldwide. The source of the contamination has been traced to a supplier of arachidonic acid (ARA) oil, a common ingredient added to infant formula. The supplier has not been officially named, and UK authorities said the companies involved are no longer using that supplier.
On Feb. 2, the European Food Safety Authority set a threshold level for the cereulide toxin, noting that there had previously been no harmonized standard due to the rarity of such cases.
Earlier this month, UK authorities reported receiving at least 36 clinical reports of infants showing symptoms consistent with cereulide poisoning.
