The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has issued an urgent public advisory, confirming that Danone is recalling specific batches of its infant and follow-on formula products. This precautionary measure follows the discovery of potential contamination with cereulide, a harmful toxin that can cause serious food poisoning in vulnerable infants.
Contaminated Ingredient Source Traced to China
The contamination originated from ARA oil, a key ingredient manufactured in China that was found to contain cereulide. This contaminated oil was subsequently added to the base powder used in the production of various infant formula and follow-on formula products. While the affected formulas were manufactured at Danone facilities in Ireland, the FSAI has confirmed that none of these products were distributed within the Irish domestic market.
Extensive International Distribution
The recalled batches have been exported to numerous European Union nations, the United Kingdom, and various other international markets. The FSAI has formally notified the European Commission about this significant recall, ensuring coordinated action across affected regions. This incident represents the second major infant formula recall this month, following Nestle's recent recall of some SMA product line batches due to the same contaminated raw ingredient.
Understanding Cereulide Toxicity Risks
Cereulide is a potent toxin produced by specific strains of the Bacillus cereus bacterium. When ingested, this toxin can cause severe food poisoning symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. For infants with developing immune systems, exposure to cereulide presents particularly serious health risks that necessitate immediate precautionary measures.
Targeted Recall Affects Limited Batches
Danone has emphasized that this represents a targeted recall affecting only a very limited number of specific batches, primarily within European markets. The company stated unequivocally that this recall does not impact any Danone products currently available in the Irish market, where infant formula products continue to be safe for purchase and normal use.
Specific UK Product Identification
In the United Kingdom, Danone has voluntarily recalled an isolated batch of Aptamil First Infant Milk as a precautionary measure. The affected product bears batch number and expiry date 31-10-2026 and was available on UK retail shelves for approximately two weeks during July 2025. Consumers in possession of this specific batch are advised to discontinue use immediately and return the product to their point of purchase.
Regulatory Oversight and Company Response
The FSAI and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, which regulates Danone's manufacturing facilities in Ireland, continue to engage closely with the company to ensure all necessary food safety protocols are being implemented to protect consumers. Danone has issued a formal statement asserting that the company "never compromises on food safety" and is acting in full compliance with evolving guidance from local food safety authorities.
This recall highlights the complex global supply chains involved in infant nutrition production and the critical importance of rigorous quality control measures at every stage of manufacturing. Parents and caregivers are advised to check product batch numbers carefully and follow official guidance regarding affected products.
