The cause is a series of global recalls of baby food due to possible contamination with cereulide. This substance has been found in ingredients used by manufacturers such as Nestlé, Lactalis, and Danone, leading to concern among parents in many countries.
EFSA established a new maximum safe daily intake for infants. The limit is now 0.014 micrograms of cereulide per kilogram of body weight. This value applies to children younger than sixteen weeks.
France has meanwhile adjusted its national standard to this lower threshold. This step follows consultations within the European Union and aligns with EFSA's scientific advice. French authorities expect that this tightening will lead to additional recalls in the coming days.
The recalls are worldwide and involve products from several major producers. Infant food has been withdrawn in dozens of countries after contamination was detected.
Cereulide can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Health agencies have reported such complaints in children after consuming recalled products. The contamination is linked to an ingredient originating from a factory in China that is used by multiple manufacturers.
Consumer organizations have criticized the speed with which companies and authorities informed parents. They claim that warnings came too late, while producers state that they acted in consultation with authorities and see no medical evidence for a direct link.
The article Dairy Giants Now Also Recall Baby Milk Powder from Stores in EU Countries first appeared on IEDE NEWS.