A recent joint probe published by Radio France, RTBF and RTS has intensified examination of how quickly major infant formula producers informed authorities after detecting contamination linked to a supplier ingredient.
The broadcasters' investigation questioned whether Nestle took prompt action after traces of cereulide - a toxin that can cause vomiting and diarrhoea and presents particular hazards for infants - were identified in an ingredient supplied by China’s CABIO Biotech. The same ingredient was reported to have been used by several makers of infant formula, including Nestle, Danone and Lactalis, and the discovery prompted product recalls in multiple countries.
In response, Nestle has said it adhered to a structured internal process prior to issuing public recalls. That process, the company stated, involved assessment steps, traceability verifications and identification of affected product batches before public notification was made.
According to Nestle's prior statements, the company first detected low levels of cereulide in product samples in late November. Nestle has also said it ceased use of all formula mixes containing the supplier's arachidonic acid oil after contamination was confirmed on December 24.
The investigation and subsequent scrutiny centre on the sequence and timing of detection, internal review and formal reporting to regulators. Broadcasters raised questions about whether authorities were alerted as soon as concerns became evident or only after company-level traceability and assessment steps were completed.
Public health authorities in several countries moved to recall affected infant formula products after the supplier link to CABIO Biotech was identified and contamination was confirmed. Companies named in reporting have offered statements outlining their internal protocols and the actions taken once contamination was detected.
Observers and stakeholders will likely watch for any formal inquiries by regulators or further disclosures from affected manufacturers regarding their internal timelines for detection, testing and notification.
Key details:
- The toxin cereulide was detected in an ingredient supplied by CABIO Biotech and used by multiple infant formula manufacturers.
- Broadcasters Radio France, RTBF and RTS published an investigation questioning the timing of Nestle's notifications to European authorities.
- Nestle stated it followed a process of assessment, traceability checks and product identification before issuing public recalls and said it first detected low cereulide levels in late November, stopping use of the supplier's arachidonic acid oil after contamination was confirmed on December 24.
Impacted sectors: Consumer staples, food manufacturing, infant nutrition.