French Authorities Probe Nestlé, Danone, Lactalis Over Contaminated Baby Formula

• French authorities launched investigations into five infant formula producers, including Nestlé, Danone, and Lactalis, due to contamination concerns.
• The probe focuses on cereulide, a heat-stable toxin causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, with potential severe complications.
• Investigations target charges of “deception regarding goods posing a danger to human health,” carrying penalties up to seven years in prison and €3.75 million fines.
• Probes coordinate with ongoing inquiries in Bordeaux, Angers, and Blois regarding infant deaths potentially linked to contaminated formula, suspected to be from arachidonic acid oil.
• Nestlé voluntarily recalled products after detecting cereulide levels above its internal limit, which is stricter than new EU guidance.