Jan 21, 2026 (MarketLine via COMTEX) --
Cereulide was also at the heart of NestlA(C)aEUR(TM)s global recall aEUR" both cases have been linked to an ingredient supplied from an outside source.
Lactalis has issued a recall for six batches of its Picot infant formula due to the presence of cereulide, the same toxin that prompted NestlA(C)aEUR(TM)s global retraction.
The French dairy giant said in a statement today (21 January) that cereulide has been detected in an ingredient sourced from a supplier.
That was the same reason given by NestlA(C) when it expanded a recall worldwide in January after first alerting the public to the presence of the Bacillus cereus bacteria in select batches of branded formula produced in Europe in December.
While Lactalis has not identified the ingredient supplier in question, it will undoubtedly raise concern that the supplier is the same business as in the NestlA(C) case. The Swiss food major has also not revealed the name of the supplier.
The cereulide toxin, which in both cases is said to have emanated from the supply of arachidonic acid (ARA), an Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid, can cause vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea in babies.
Lactalis Nutrition SantA(C) (LNS) is the division that has initiated the voluntary recall.
aEURoeThis recall follows an alert from the French professional association for infant nutrition regarding the potential presence of cereulide in an ingredient (Omega 6 ARA) supplied by an international provider and used in the formulation of certain infant formulas,aEUR Lactalis said.
aEURoeUpon receiving this alert, and in parallel with the analyses requested from the supplier of the ingredient concerned, LNS immediately initiated testing through an accredited independent laboratory to assess the potentially affected products.aEUR
Lactalis explained that the initial analysis of the ARA ingredient and the finished formula aEURoereturned compliant resultsaEUR but further analysis proved otherwise.
Following testing of aEURoereconstitutedaEUR formula, results received by Lactalis yesterday (20 Januar) showed the presence of cereulide.
aEURoeWe fully understand that this information may cause concern among parents of young children,aEUR privately-owned Lactalis added. aEURoeAt this stage, no complaints or reports related to the consumption of these products have been communicated to us by the French authorities, with whom we remain in close contact.aEUR
The recall involves Picot Nutrition Quotidienne first-stage formula in 400, 800 and 850 grams, along with Picot Nutrition Quotidienne second-stage baby milk in 800 and 850g.
Picot AR second-stage 800g formula completes the six batches recalled.
Lactalis advised parents not to feed their babies the affected formulas.
Meanwhile, LactalisaEUR(TM) peer in France, Danone, has blocked the sale of certain infant formula in Singapore at the request of the local regulator as a precautionary measure.
Danone said via a spokesperson the dairy giant is working with the Singapore Food Agency but stressed all of its products are aEURoemanufactured in line with strict food safety and quality standards and undergo rigorous testing before leaving our factoriesaEUR.
The company added that aEURoeno irregularities or deviations in relation to Bacillus cereus and aEUR~Good Manufacturing PracticesaEUR(TM) have been identifiedaEUR.
An added concern now is, that like NestlA(C), Lactalis might have to expand its recall.What started as a relatively benign precautionary European recall of NestlA(C)aEUR(TM)s Nan stage 1 formula in mid-December escalated globally in January.
As the new year began, 37 European countries were on a published list, along with seven in NestlA(C)aEUR(TM)s AmericaaEUR(TM)s reporting region, including Argentina and Mexico, and nine within Asia, Oceania and Africa, such as China and Australia.
The recall also expanded to SMA, SMA Alfamino and Beba formulas but remained a precautionary measure as cereulide was identified as the root cause.
The episode proved so serious for NestlA(C) that its CEO Philipp Navratil took the unusual step last week of posting a video in an effort to protect the companyaEUR(TM)s reputation and credibility.
aEURoeYou trust us to provide products that are safe and of high quality, and we take that responsibility very seriously,aEUR Navratil said on YouTube.
aEURoeWhataEUR(TM)s important to me in this situation is that we remain guided by our values: food safety and trust come first. This is at the heart of everything we do and reflects our deep sense of responsibility and care.aEUR
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