Nestlé withdraws new batches of infant formula in France and Britain

Nestlé expanded the scope of its infant formula recall today, Wednesday, to include batches of the product (Kikoz) in France and (Sama) in Britain, after the European Union introduced new methods for analyzing levels of the toxic substance cereulide. The withdrawal step came despite analysts’ expectations that there would be no need for any additional operations on the part of the Swiss company.

Cerulide, which can cause nausea and vomiting, was discovered in ingredients provided by a supplier in China to a number of infant formula manufacturers, including Nestlé, Danone and Lactel. These results led to the recall of batches of products in dozens of countries and raised concerns among parents.

Nestlé said in a statement: “Given the development of the analysis method adopted by the European Union, and while we continue to adhere to our stringent internal standards regarding cereulide in infant formula, we are withdrawing more batches of products in some European countries that were already part of the initial withdrawal process.”

Nestlé did not reveal the number of countries affected by the recalls, but said it had not added any new countries. The initial withdrawals affected approximately 60 countries, most of them in Europe, Asia and the Americas.

A letter seen by Reuters showed that the European Commission last week asked member states to analyze cerulean levels in liquid milk in addition to powdered milk.

Nestlé first discovered low levels of cereulide in samples of its products in late November, but it did not confirm that the oil blend containing arachidonic acid oil was the source of the contamination until December 24.

French investigators are examining the possible link between the death of two children and the contaminated infant formula that was withdrawn from the market, although the authorities and the company have confirmed that there is no evidence of this yet. Expectations indicate that the results of the investigation will be released in the coming days.