Multi‐country foodborne event caused by cereulide in infant formula products 19 February 2026

TL;DR

A multi-country foodborne illness event in infants was linked to infant formula contaminated with cereulide, prompting recalls and ongoing investigations.

Contribution

This paper documents a coordinated EU response to a foodborne event involving cereulide-contaminated infant formula and its impact on public health.

Findings

Infant formula contaminated with cereulide caused gastrointestinal symptoms in infants across six EU countries and the UK.

Recalls and science-based risk management reduced exposure to contaminated products, with low current likelihood of exposure.

Infants under six months were more vulnerable to dehydration and electrolyte disturbances from the toxin.

Abstract

From 19 December 2025 to 13 February 2026, six EU countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Luxembourg and Spain) and the United Kingdom reported infants with gastrointestinal symptoms and consumption of infant formula. Most presented with mild symptoms, but some hospitalisations occurred due to dehydration. The latest instance of disease onset was 6 February. Diagnostic challenges and limited surveillance are affecting Member States' ability to identify cases associated with this event.

In December 2025, food companies in multiple countries initiated the recall of several infant formula products across various brands and batches containing arachidonic acid oil ingredient contaminated with cereulide. On 2 February, EFSA published an assessment which estimated concerning levels of cereulide in infant formula. The recall within the EU was expanded and harmonised under a science‐based risk management approach, significantly reducing the likelihood of children's exposure to contaminated products in the EU.

Investigations are ongoing to identify cases which may be part of this event and verify if recalled batches, or other batches of infant formula products, served as the vehicle of illness. Belgium, Austria, Luxembourg and the UK reported infants with symptoms and the detection of cereulide in products consumed. Denmark, France and Spain reported observing symptomatic infants who had consumed products from recalled infant formula batches.

Symptoms of cereulide intoxication are generally mild, but infants under six months are more vulnerable to dehydration and electrolyte disturbances than older children. The impact of exposure to the toxin is assessed as low to moderate depending on the age of the child. Large‐scale control measures were implemented to rapidly withdraw contaminated infant formula products in the EU and recalls are ongoing. As a result, the current likelihood of exposure is considered low. However additional cases may still occur as recalled products may remain in households.