Danone infant formula recall measures have been widened across Europe after authorities warned of a possible presence of cereulide toxin in certain batches. The French food group confirmed that additional countries and brands are now affected, following earlier recalls announced in January.
Food safety agencies across Europe said the expanded recall reflects updated scientific guidance and precautionary measures, as investigations continue into the source of contamination. No confirmed cases of severe illness linked directly to Danone products have been reported so far.
The recall comes amid broader international concern, with infant formula products from multiple manufacturers withdrawn in more than 60 countries since December.
Countries and brands affected by the recall
On Friday, food safety authorities confirmed that Danone had extended its recall to the United Kingdom, Spain, Croatia, and Slovenia. This followed an earlier expansion announced on Thursday covering Austria, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Switzerland.
In the United Kingdom, the Food Standards Agency said Danone is recalling several Aptamil and Cow & Gate First Infant Milk and Follow On Milk formula products due to the potential presence of cereulide toxin in some batches. The agency had already recalled one batch of Aptamil First Infant Formula in January after the toxin was found during testing.
Spain’s food safety authority AESAN reported that additional batches of Danone’s Almiron and Bledina brands are being withdrawn from commercial channels. The agency said the measure follows a first cereulide alert issued in January and applies to further products identified through traceability checks.
According to an official European Union safety portal, recalls announced on Friday also affect Croatia and Slovenia. These countries are supplied by a Danone production facility in Germany that used an ingredient suspected of contamination.
Scope of affected batches
Authorities in Austria and Germany said more than 120 lots of Aptamil and Milumil products are affected, while French regulators reported 119 lots of Gallia and Bledilait infant formula withdrawn from sale. Overall, several hundred production lots are included in Danone’s recall, although the company has not disclosed the total number of packages involved.
Danone has not yet published a complete list of all affected countries or batch numbers, advising consumers to check official notices issued by national food safety agencies.
Health concerns and investigation findings
Cereulide is a toxin that can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, particularly in young children. Earlier this week, the European Food Safety Authority announced a significant reduction in the maximum permitted levels of cereulide in food products, prompting manufacturers to reassess safety margins.
The UK Health Security Agency said it is investigating 36 cases in which children developed symptoms consistent with cereulide toxin exposure after consuming potentially affected formula. The agency stressed that no cases of severe illness have been confirmed as directly linked to the recalled products so far.
Other manufacturers have also issued precautionary recalls since December, including Swiss food group Nestlé, which withdrew several batches of infant formula from the UK market in early January.
Ingredient supplier under scrutiny
The investigation has drawn attention to Cabio Biotech, a Chinese firm based in Wuhan that supplies arachidonic acid, known as ARA, used in infant formula and food products. Cereulide was discovered in ARA manufactured by Cabio Biotech, according to regulatory findings.
Cabio Biotech is among the world’s largest producers of ARA, which is widely used in baby formula. Authorities have not announced any restrictions on the company beyond product-specific recalls linked to the contaminated ingredient.
Danone response and consumer guidance
Danone said the recall is being carried out in line with updated recommendations on cereulide and in cooperation with national and European regulators. The company stated that all its baby formulas are produced under strict food safety standards and undergo rigorous controls before leaving its factories.
Consumers have been advised by authorities to stop using the affected products and return them to retailers, where applicable. Food safety agencies continue to publish updated lists of recalled batches on their official websites.
Conclusion:
The expanded Danone infant formula recall highlights the growing regulatory focus on food safety standards for infant nutrition across Europe. Investigations into cereulide contamination remain ongoing, with authorities emphasizing precautionary measures while monitoring potential health impacts.
