Infant formula alert exposes gaps in EU food safety oversight 

27 January 2026

The infant formula alert due to cereulide contamination underscores loopholes in the EU’s food safety alerts, after several batches from Nestlé and Lactalis had to be recalled across Europe due to this toxin this month. Some of the recalled batches had been on sale for months since January 2025 before being recalled in January 2026.

Batches of infant formula marketed in the EU and in the UK were recalled in January, after an ingredient tested positive for cereulide, which causes vomiting and nausea. Three babies have been hospitalised in the UK. 

The crisis highlights loopholes in the EU’s food safety monitoring system and weak enforcement of traceability rules. Dutch authorities confirmed they had been informed in December 2025, yet they did not inform member states or the European Commission, nor did they issue any recalls, ignoring the protocols of the EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF).

Under the EU food safety laws, manufacturers are required to inform the authorities immediately about any serious risk. Traceability must be systematic to avoid consequences for consumer health, especially when it concerns babies.