A global recall of Nestlé’s baby formula has been initiated after two infant deaths in France, sparking a criminal investigation into the possible contamination of the products. The investigation, launched in Bordeaux, involves a newborn who died on January 8 after being fed Guigoz brand baby formula, which is owned by Nestlé. The baby was fed the formula between January 5 and 7, and it is suspected that the formula may have been contaminated with Bacillus cereus, a bacterium that can produce a toxin called cereulide. This toxin can cause rapid food poisoning in babies, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, and in severe cases, liver or neurological issues.
A second investigation has been launched in Angers regarding the death of a 27-day-old girl who died in December after being fed the recalled formula. While no causal link has been established, prosecutors are taking the lead seriously. The recall affects certain batches of Nestlé’s SMA, Guigoz, and Nidal formulas, and the company has stated that the safety of babies is its “absolute priority.” The contamination is believed to have originated from a single raw material supplier.
Health agencies in France and the UK have warned that the cereulide toxin can cause rapid-onset nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps, and that these symptoms are not destroyed by boiling water. Nestlé has initiated a “preventive and voluntary” worldwide recall of the affected products, and authorities are working to determine whether the contaminated formula was the cause of the two infant deaths. The investigations are ongoing, and while a causal link has not been established, the recall highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and quality of baby food products. The incident has raised concerns among parents and caregivers, and Nestlé is facing scrutiny over its quality control measures.