Lactalis recalls six Picot infant formula batches over cereulide contamination linked to ARA ingredient
French dairy group withdraws multiple Picot products after independent tests detected cereulide in reconstituted infant formula.
FRANCE – Lactalis has issued a voluntary recall of six batches of its Picot infant formula after the detection of cereulide, a toxin linked to an ingredient supplied by a third-party provider.
The French dairy group said the cereulide was found in arachidonic acid (ARA), an Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid used in certain formulas and the same component involved in Nestlé’s earlier global retraction.
The recall was initiated by Lactalis Nutrition Santé (LNS), the company’s infant-nutrition division. “This recall follows an alert from the French professional association for infant nutrition regarding the potential presence of cereulide in an ingredient (Omega 6 ARA) supplied by an international provider and used in the formulation of certain infant formulas,” Lactalis said.
“Upon receiving this alert, and in parallel with the analyses requested from the supplier of the ingredient concerned, LNS immediately initiated testing through an accredited independent laboratory to assess the potentially affected products,” the company added.
Lactalis explained that early testing of the ARA ingredient and finished formula “returned compliant results,” but further analysis later identified the toxin.
Following testing of “reconstituted” formula, results received on January 20 showed the presence of cereulide, which can cause vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhoea in babies.
“We fully understand that this information may cause concern among parents of young children,” the privately owned group said. “At this stage, no complaints or reports related to the consumption of these products have been communicated to us by the French authorities, with whom we remain in close contact.”
The recall covers Picot Nutrition Quotidienne first-stage formula in 400g, 800g and 850g formats, as well as Picot Nutrition Quotidienne second-stage baby milk in 800g and 850g packs. Picot AR second-stage 800g formula completes the six batches affected. Lactalis advised parents not to feed their babies the recalled products.
Separately, Danone has blocked the sale of certain infant formulas in Singapore at the request of the local regulator as a precaution.
A Danone spokesperson said the company is working with the Singapore Food Agency and stressed that all its products are “manufactured in line with strict food safety and quality standards and undergo rigorous testing before leaving our factories.”
The company added that “no irregularities or deviations in relation to Bacillus cereus and ‘Good Manufacturing Practices’ have been identified.”
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