France probes baby formula producers over contamination recalls

BBC News - WorldEN 2 min read 100% complete February 13, 2026 at 11:30 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

French prosecutors have launched investigations into five baby formula manufacturers – Nestle, Lactalis, Danone, Babybio, and La Marque en moins – following mass recalls due to potential cereulide contamination. The investigation was prompted by complaints of infant vomiting after consuming the formula, with at least 36 suspected cases of food poisoning reported in the UK. The toxin is linked to arachidonic acid (ARA) oil from a third-party supplier, believed to be a Chinese firm. Authorities will investigate potential criminal wrongdoing in distributing the tainted product and determine if there is a link between the formula and the deaths of three babies in France. Recalls have been issued in over 60 countries, and manufacturers are increasing production to compensate for the recalled batches.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

SMA 35% Cow & Gate 35% Aptamil 35% La Marque en moins 40% China 50% Babybio 50% Lactalis 60% United Kingdom ×360% Wuhan Cabio Biotech 65% France ×270% Danone ×585% Nestle ×790%

Keywords

baby formula 100% contamination 90% recall 80% cereulide 70% danone 60% food poisoning 60% nestle 60% france 50% arachidonic acid (ara) 50% uk food standards agency 40%