Food company Danone is recalling Aptamil baby formula in Germany due to possible contamination with the toxic substance cereulide. The company announced on Friday that the recall affects three specific batches with defined best-before dates. Other Aptamil products are not impacted.
The three affected batches include Aptamil Pronutra Pre, 1.2 kilograms, with a best-before date of 19 November 2026; Aptamil Pronutra 1 DE, 800 grams, with a best-before date of 10 November 2026; and Aptamil Profutura Pre D, 800 grams, with a best-before date of 20 April 2027.
Since early January, manufacturers including Nestlé, Danone and the French group Lactalis have had to recall baby formula in dozens of countries because of possible cereulide contamination. Authorities suspect that a substance produced in China and containing arachidonic acid, an important nutrient for infants, may be responsible. Cereulide is a bacterial toxin that can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
In France, eight families and the organisation Foodwatch have now filed legal complaints. They accuse the affected companies and authorities of reacting too slowly, with Foodwatch stating on Thursday in Paris that multinational corporations had “put products on the market that endanger the health of babies.”
Foodwatch also says numerous concerned parents in Germany have come forward, reporting digestive problems in their children after consuming bottled formula. “Instead of quickly and comprehensively warning concerned parents, companies and authorities often quietly removed the contaminated products from store shelves,” Foodwatch criticized.
From breaking news to thought-provoking opinion pieces, our newsletter keeps you informed & engaged.
