EU says cereulide exposure risk low after baby formula recalls

PARIS, Feb 19 (Reuters) – The risk of infants being exposed to baby formula contaminated with the cereulide toxin is now low following recalls across several countries, European food and disease authorities said on Thursday.

Cereulide, a toxin that can cause nausea and vomiting, was detected in ingredients from a supplier in China for several infant formula makers, including Nestle, Danone and Lactalis, triggering precautionary recalls in dozens of countries and raising concerns among parents.

The recalls were initiated in December, and expanded in February after the European Food Safety Authority advised a maximum threshold for cereulide used in infant formula.

“As a result of the large-scale control measures implemented in the EU, the likelihood of exposure to contaminated products has decreased and is considered low,” the EFSA said in a joint assessment with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). 

As of February 13, seven European countries including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, Spain, and the United Kingdom had reported cases of infants with gastrointestinal symptoms after consuming the affected formula, they said. 

Most cases involved mild symptoms, although some infants were hospitalised for dehydration.

French investigators are examining the death of three babies who had consumed infant formula covered by precautionary recalls though no causal link has been scientifically established. 

Cereulide was detected in two batches of recalled Danone infant formula, Swiss authorities said on Wednesday.

Experts say identifying and confirming cases can be challenging because symptoms are similar to common viral stomach infections and cereulide testing is not widely available.

(Reporting by Sybille de La Hamaide; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)