Children’s Health Group Appeals to Rights Defender Over Infant Formula Issues
The Association for Children’s Health (APS-Enfants) has raised serious concerns over infant formula safety in light of recent product recalls. This response comes after a series of withdrawals from the market due to contamination fears linked to a toxin known as cereulide.
Growing Safety Concerns in Infant Formula
On February 6, 2026, APS-Enfants officially contacted the Defender of Rights, Claire Hédon. They are calling for a thorough investigation into possible failings by health authorities and manufacturers regarding infant formula safety.
Recent Product Withdrawals
Recent days have seen significant developments. Danone, a leading French food company, expanded its recall, affecting 119 lots and 19 types of infant milk products under the Gallia and Blédilait brands in France. This action came after the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) updated its recommendations concerning the safety threshold for cereulide in baby food.
- Cereulide is a toxin that can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Recent recalls have raised substantial safety issues regarding previously deemed safe baby formulas.
Systemic Issues Highlighted
Quentin Guillemain, president of APS-Enfants, emphasized that these continuous recalls reveal systemic failures. He stressed that babies should not be used as a “variable for adjusting toxic thresholds.” The association insists that no infant formula should contain any toxins.
Calls for Accountability and Transparency
In their appeal to the Defender of Rights, APS-Enfants is demanding an in-depth investigation into the role of health authorities and industry inadequacies. They are also advocating for:
- Complete transparency regarding infant formulas containing arachidonic acid (ARA) sourced from Cabio Biotech.
- Enhanced and independent control measures for raw materials used in infant milk production.
- A zero-tolerance policy for toxins in products meant for infants.
Global Impact of Recent Recalls
Other brands, such as Lactalis (Picot) and Nestlé (Guigoz and Nidal), have also carried out recalls affecting numerous lots across around sixty countries since January. The ongoing issue highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations to ensure the safety of infant food products worldwide.
As the situation continues to unfold, the emphasis remains on safeguarding children’s health and preventing future incidents of this nature.
