Quick Read
- Danone has expanded its recall of Aptamil and Cow & Gate baby formula in Europe due to potential cereulide toxin contamination.
- Nestlé has also recalled SMA infant formula batches for the same reason, following updated guidelines from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
- Cereulide is a heat-stable toxin produced by Bacillus cereus, causing nausea and vomiting; over 30 cases have been reported.
- The contamination originated from a shared third-party ingredient supplier, which Danone has discontinued.
- Pomerantz LLP has launched an investigation into Danone on behalf of investors, citing significant drops in Danone’s ADR price after initial recall news.
BRUSSELS (Azat TV) – Food giant Danone has significantly expanded its recall of multiple baby formula batches across Europe, including its popular Aptamil and Cow & Gate brands, following concerns over potential contamination with cereulide, a heat-stable toxin. The recalls, which also involve products from Nestlé, come after reports of children experiencing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps, and have triggered an investor investigation into Danone’s business practices.
Danone and Nestlé Recalls Expand Across European Markets
The latest wave of recalls, confirmed on Friday, February 6, 2026, by local media, affects approximately 30 batches of six different baby milk products from Danone alone, with Belgium and Greece among the countries actively pulling products from shelves. The Belgian Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain is working with Danone, which has clarified that only specific batches are affected and products remaining on store shelves are safe for consumption. In Greece, the National Organization for Medicines ordered the recall of certain Nestlé infant formula batches, including SMA Infant Formula and Follow-On Formula, after the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) introduced updated testing methods and new detection thresholds for cereulide.
This expanded action builds on earlier recalls, including Danone’s January 23 announcement regarding select batches of its infant formula and the January 21 report by Reuters concerning cereulide detection in Danone’s Thai-origin Dumex Dulac 1. The company has stated that the contamination originated from a shared third-party ingredient supplier, which it has since discontinued. Cereulide, produced by Bacillus cereus, is particularly concerning due to its heat-stable properties, making it resistant to standard preparation methods recommended by health authorities like the NHS.
Investor Alert Issued Amidst Danone’s Stock Decline
The widespread recall has not only impacted consumers but also investors. On February 5, 2026, Pomerantz LLP, a prominent law firm specializing in corporate and securities class litigation, announced it was investigating claims on behalf of investors of Danone S.A. The investigation seeks to determine if Danone and its officers or directors engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices related to the contamination scare.
Danone’s American Depositary Receipt (ADR) price experienced significant drops following the initial reports. On January 21, 2026, the ADR price fell $1.37, or 7.95%, to close at $15.87. A further decline of $0.43, or 2.7%, occurred on January 23, closing at $15.55, following Danone’s press release confirming the recall. These financial repercussions highlight the serious market impact of product safety issues, particularly in the sensitive infant nutrition sector.
Ensuring Infant Safety and Supply Chain Vigilance
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has urged caregivers to meticulously check their stock for affected batches of Aptamil and Cow & Gate products and to refrain from using any contaminated formula. Consumers are advised to return recalled products to their point of sale for a refund. Danone has reiterated its commitment to consumer safety and supply chain vigilance, stating it is working closely with health authorities and retailers to ensure all affected products are removed from circulation.
The incident underscores the intricate challenges inherent in global infant formula supply chains and the critical importance of rigorous quality control measures. With over 30 reports of children experiencing adverse effects, the focus remains firmly on ensuring the safety of infant nutrition products and preventing future contamination events.
The expanded recalls and subsequent investor investigation signal a period of intensified scrutiny for major infant formula manufacturers, highlighting the significant reputational and financial stakes involved in maintaining stringent product safety standards.