A joint rapid assessment by EU agencies indicates the current chance of infants encountering cereulide in recalled formula is low, but ongoing investigations and vigilance remain essential
European food-safety agencies are investigating illnesses in infants linked to multiple infant formula recalls. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have opened a coordinated rapid assessment to determine the cause and reach of the problem.
What happened and where
– As of 13 February 2026, seven countries — Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, Spain and the United Kingdom — have reported infants with gastrointestinal illness after consuming specific formula batches that have since been recalled.
– Reported symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea and varying degrees of dehydration.
Most cases affect infants under six months; a small number have required hospital observation and supportive care.
What investigators are doing
– Teams are combining clinical reports, laboratory testing and supply-chain tracebacks. Laboratories are testing retained product samples for microbes, toxins and other contaminants while traceback specialists map production batches and distribution pathways to find where contamination might have occurred.
– In a limited number of product and biological samples, laboratories have detected cereulide, a toxin that can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Where cereulide has been confirmed, symptoms tend to be more pronounced. Investigations are ongoing to determine how widespread these findings are and whether they explain all or only some of the reported illnesses.
Challenges in establishing links
– Matching illnesses to specific batches is difficult. Cases are spread across countries, product formulations vary, and purchase records are sometimes incomplete. Symptoms overlap with common viral and bacterial gastroenteritis, which complicates attribution.
– Sensitive, standardized testing for cereulide and other toxins is not uniformly available across clinical labs, so laboratory confirmation can be inconsistent. Cross-border distribution networks add further traceability pressures.
Current assessment and public-health actions
– Authorities currently judge the likelihood of ongoing exposure as low because many recalled lots have been removed from sale. That said, risk remains while suspect products may still be in households or in unmonitored supply chains.
– EFSA and ECDC continue to support national authorities with technical advice, data sharing and situation monitoring. Investigations will determine whether measures remain limited to the recalled lots or need to expand.
What caregivers should do now
– Stop using any infant formula named in official recall notices. Check packaging for lot and barcode information; keep that information available for health professionals or authorities.
– If you cannot confirm a product is unaffected, do not use it — follow the return or disposal instructions given by the retailer or national food safety agency.
– Seek prompt medical advice if an infant develops persistent vomiting, diarrhoea, fever or signs of dehydration (reduced urine output, dry mouth, lethargy, sunken eyes). Tell clinicians about the product and provide packaging details to help investigations.
– For mild dehydration, follow clinical guidance on oral rehydration solutions and feeding. Avoid home remedies outside recommended protocols; health services will advise on safe feeding alternatives if needed.
Clinical response and vulnerable groups
– Clinicians are following standard protocols: stop the suspected formula, monitor clinically, manage fluids and arrange laboratory testing when indicated. Paediatric infectious disease and toxicology experts are advising treating teams.
– Premature infants and those with underlying conditions are being monitored more closely. Public-health teams are prioritising sample sharing with reference labs to improve diagnostic sensitivity and to better define exposure thresholds.
Communication and next steps
– National food safety authorities will publish authoritative recall lists and updates; consult those sources rather than social media or unofficial lists.
– Expect iterative updates as traceability work and laboratory results converge. EFSA and ECDC will continue to issue technical briefings and situational updates to support national responses.
– Improving surveillance and industry traceability are recurring themes from investigators: better testing capacity and clearer supply-chain records would speed detection and response in future incidents.
How to stay informed and whom to contact
– Follow official channels from your national food safety authority and the ECDC for verified guidance and the latest developments.
– For media enquiries or to receive direct updates, contact the ECDC press office through the centre’s public channels. Laboratory confirmation and detailed tracebacks are still needed to connect all reported illnesses to particular batches. Until investigations conclude, stop using recalled products, watch infants closely for symptoms, and rely on official guidance for returns and medical care.
