One of the world's largest dairy companies, French giant Lactalis, announced on the 21st that it is recalling multiple batches of infant formula in 18 countries and regions, including France, China, Spain, Australia, and Taiwan. The reason is that these products may contain Bacillus cereus toxins, which carry risks of causing diarrhea and vomiting.
Lactalis stated in a release that the recall was a "precautionary decision" made in response to a related warning from the French Association of Infant Nutrition Professionals.
The statement noted that in further testing of reconstituted products, the presence of the relevant toxin may have been detected in the products.
The statement added that, as of now, relevant French authorities have yet to receive reports of adverse reactions after consumption of the affected products.
Recently, multiple global recalls of infant formula have drawn the dairy industry’s attention, all linked to concerns over possible Bacillus cereus toxins in the products. On the 17th of this month, the Singapore Food Agency already announced a recall of Dumex infant formula made by French food giant Danone. Earlier this month, numerous subsidiaries of Nestlé in Europe also announced recalls of some batches of infant formula sold in different markets.
The UK's Food Standards Agency recently pointed out in a food safety alert that Bacillus cereus is highly heat-resistant and difficult to destroy during cooking, boiling, or preparing infant formula. This bacterium can cause food poisoning, with symptoms appearing rapidly, including nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.