Batches of Danone infant formula and follow‑on formula exported from Ireland are being recalled over concerns they could contain a harmful toxin, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has confirmed. The recall follows related actions by other major producers, highlighting a broadening food safety issue affecting multiple countries.
The FSAI said the products were manufactured in Ireland and shipped to several European Union markets, the United Kingdom, and third countries, though none of the implicated batches have been sold in Ireland. The authority notified the European Commission through the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed to ensure all affected nations are informed.
The recall stems from contamination in a raw ingredient known as ARA oil, which was sourced from a supplier in China. That ingredient was also tied to earlier recalls of infant formula by Nestlé and other companies. Cereulide, a toxin produced by certain strains of the bacterium Bacillus cereus, was detected in the ARA oil and can cause food poisoning in consumers, according to the FSAI.
Health authorities in France are investigating the deaths of two infants who had consumed powdered milk from batches previously recalled by Nestlé. One baby, aged two weeks, died on January 8 in Bordeaux after drinking formula from the affected lots, a prosecutor said. A second infant, 27 days old, died on December 23 in Angers, with the mother contacting authorities to report the child had consumed milk from a recalled batch. French officials have said there is no established causal link between the formula and the deaths at this stage. Nestlé has said it is cooperating with the investigations.
The incident has prompted recalls by other producers. French dairy group Lactalis announced it was pulling batches of infant formula from 18 countries due to potential cereulide contamination, and Singapore authorities have also recalled Dumex baby formula, a brand owned by Danone, after similar concerns emerged.
Consumer safety agencies have urged parents and caregivers to check batch numbers on formula products and to avoid feeding any formulas linked to the recalls. In the UK, a specific batch of Aptamil First Infant Formula was recalled due to potential contamination; retailers have offered refunds for returned products.
Danone said it was taking the step as a precautionary measure in response to updated guidance from local food safety authorities. The company emphasized that it has strict safety and quality controls in place and that the recalled products were limited to specific batches in select markets.
Officials continue to work with manufacturers to monitor the situation and protect consumers, even as investigations into the causes and potential health impacts of the contamination proceed in several countries.
