Investigations by Nestlé, Danone, and Lactalis have come under renewed scrutiny after reports suggested delays in notifying authorities about contamination involving cereulide, a toxin capable of causing vomiting and diarrhoea, with heightened risks for infants.
The contamination was traced to an ingredient supplied by CABIO Biotech in China—specifically an oil used in infant formula production and distributed across multiple European markets. The discovery prompted precautionary recalls in several countries and raised alarm among parents relying on powdered infant nutrition products.
According to the investigative reporting by Radio France, RTBF, and RTS, there were concerns that Nestlé did not immediately alert European regulators after detecting the substance, despite rules requiring rapid notification when potential health risks emerge. The reports also alleged that significant quantities of product remained within distribution networks or households before formal recall announcements were made.
The media consortium further stated that as many as 838,000 cans of infant formula were held back beginning December 26 at Nestlé production facilities in northern France and other sites, while products already distributed were not immediately flagged for recall. The reporting also described what it called “silent” withdrawals in Austria and Germany beginning December 24, prior to public announcements.
Nestlé strongly rejected the interpretation of events, with a company spokesperson saying the reports contained “inaccurate and misleading information.” The company maintained that it acted responsibly and worked closely with regulators “from day one.” It also said it followed established procedures, including internal assessments, traceability checks, and identification of affected batches before initiating recalls.
In its timeline, Nestlé said low levels of cereulide were first detected in late November. After confirming contamination in December 24 tests, it stopped using all ingredient mixes containing the affected oil. The supplier was notified on December 29, and further testing continued until January 3 to define the scope of affected products, before public recalls began on January 5.
Danone did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the allegations or timeline presented in the investigations.
Authorities in France have also been reviewing whether any public health consequences may be linked to the affected products. Prosecutors in Bordeaux and Angers have ruled out a connection between recalled formula and the deaths of two infants, while a third case remains under investigation. A separate inquiry opened in Meaux has since been transferred to Paris, according to the reports.
The unfolding scrutiny highlights ongoing pressure on global food manufacturers to balance internal safety verification with rapid public disclosure when potential risks are identified—particularly in products intended for infants, where even trace contamination can trigger widespread concern.