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.
The Lancet confirms Chile’s pioneering food policy is helping reduce childhood obesity
A new study published in The Lancet provides the first national-level evidence that Chile’s comprehensive…
Nestlé to remove all artificial food colourings from its products this year
French headquarters building of Nestlé Nestlé plans to remove artificial food colourings from all food…
Study links sugar elimination to gut and metabolic issues
A surprising study found that completely cutting sugar from one’s diet may disrupt gut health and metabolism,…
Belgium taken to court for emergency authorisation of toxic pesticides
PAN Europe and Nature et Progrès Belgium have taken the Belgian state to court for…
The Lancet study confirms effectiveness of Chilean model in fighting child obesity
A study about the effects of the 2016 Chilean Food Labelling and Advertising Law (FLAL)…
Brazil garners support for anti-UPF initiative at World Health Organization assembly
Brazil has launched a diplomatic initiative to build support in the WHO to restrict the…
