After a worldwide recall: new import rules for baby food

Several manufacturers, including major European corporations such as Nestlé, Danone and Lactalishave recalled infant formula in more than 60 countries worldwide since December. The reason was the possible contamination of the products with the toxin cereulide, which can cause diarrhea and vomiting.

Illnesses also in Austria

According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), at least Seven European countries have reported cases of sick young children reported. The Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES) from Austria reported four suspected cases with symptoms of cereulide intoxication to the ECDC, affecting children between zero and eleven months old. All four babies have now recovered.

According to the EU authorities, the trail leads to China. According to them, cereulide was first used in… December in batches of preparations detected that contained arachidonic acid oil from China. Arachidonic acid is an important nutrient for infants that is also found in breast milk. The toxin cereulide can be produced when baby food or ingredients are kept warm for too long or are repeatedly warmed up.