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Multi-country recalls of several infant nutrition products are ongoing after batches were found to contain cereulide, a toxin produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus.

The precautionary recalls began in December 2025 and have continued into January 2026 as a preventive public health measure.

The affected products, which span different batches, brands and product types, were sold both across Europe and in markets outside the region, prompting a global response from food safety authorities.

Cereulide is known to cause gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, typically occurring between 30 minutes and six hours after ingestion.

In infants, particularly neonates and those under six months old, exposure may also disrupt electrolyte balance and lead to complications such as dehydration. Health authorities have assessed the overall risk as low to moderate, depending on age, with younger infants considered more vulnerable to severe illness.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has received reports of diarrhea in infants who consumed products included in the recall. National investigations are ongoing, and no severe cases have been reported to date.

In one confirmed case, an infant who consumed formula from a recalled batch tested positive for cereulide and developed vomiting and diarrhea, before making a full recovery.

Health authorities have noted that vomiting and diarrhea are common symptoms in infants and may be caused by a range of factors, including viral infections such as norovirus.

ECDC has advised that infants who develop gastrointestinal symptoms after consuming recalled formula should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Immediate medical attention is recommended in cases of severe symptoms, such as persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration, as gastrointestinal illness in infants can quickly lead to complications regardless of the underlying cause.

Consumers are advised not to use recalled products and to follow guidance issued by national food safety authorities regarding returns or disposal.

ECDC is continuing to monitor the situation and is working alongside the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Commission to support national investigations and ensure coordination across affected countries.

As part of the response, the European Commission has requested scientific advice from EFSA to support risk management decisions. This includes establishing an acute reference dose for cereulide in infants and assessing typical and high-end consumption levels of infant formula.

EFSA’s advice is expected to be published in the week beginning 2 February 2026.