French judicial authorities have opened two investigations following the deaths of newborns who consumed infant formula recalled by Nestlé over potential bacterial contamination. While a direct causal link has not yet been established, the cases have triggered a major food safety alert.
Details of the Investigations
One inquiry concerns a baby born on December 25 who died on January 8 at a hospital in Pessac, near Bordeaux. The public prosecutor confirmed the infant had been fed Guigoz brand formula—part of a Nestlé recall—between January 5 and 7. The child was rushed to the hospital after the mother observed digestive issues.
A separate investigation in Angers is examining the December 23 death of a 27-day-old girl. The child’s mother recently informed investigators she had also fed her baby Guigoz formula, which prosecutors described as a “serious lead.”
The Recall and the Toxin
Nestlé initiated a massive global recall on January 5 for certain batches of its Guigoz and Nidal infant formulas. The recall was prompted by the potential presence of cereulide, a toxin produced by Bacillus cereus bacteria. This toxin can cause severe vomiting within hours of ingestion.
Initial tests in the Bordeaux case reportedly found no trace of the bacteria itself, but further analysis to detect the cereulide toxin is pending. Authorities stress that, at this stage, no causal link between the formula and infant illnesses has been proven.
Official Response and Wider Alert
In a joint statement, France’s Ministries of Agriculture and Health described an “evolving” health alert of significant scale, promising continuous surveillance. Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard emphasized corporate responsibility for controls and recalls, stating the investigation would determine if a connection exists.
The situation widened as French dairy giant Lactalis announced its own major infant formula recall on Wednesday across several countries, linked to a potentially contaminated ingredient from a Chinese supplier.
Broader Fallout
The Nestlé recall affects approximately 60 countries. The Swiss group’s CEO has apologized, though NGOs have criticized the company for acting too slowly. The NGO Foodwatch announced it would file a legal complaint to “shed light” on the recalls, claiming millions of infants worldwide are affected.
