Vitagermine announced the recall on 25/1 as a precautionary measure. The three product batches affected by the recall include: Babybio Optima 1, 800 gram size (lot 894408, expiration date 7/9/2027); Babybio Optima 1, 800 gram size (lot 900035, expiration date 8/12/2027); and Babybio Optima 1, 400 gram size (lot 900932, expiration date 18/8/2027).

One of Vitagermine's recalled milk products, displayed on the French government's consumer warning website. Photo: Rappel Conso

A group representative stated that this action followed extensive internal investigations, based on new recommendations from French authorities regarding the potential presence of cereulide toxin in food. The French government's consumer warning website (rappel.conso.gouv.fr) also confirmed this recall order.

Cereulide is a toxin produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus, capable of causing food poisoning with symptoms of severe nausea and vomiting in infants.

Before Vitagermine's announcement, major dairy companies including Lactalis, Nestle, and Danone also withdrew numerous batches of baby formula from supermarket shelves for similar reasons. Most recently, on 21/1, Lactalis conducted a widespread recall.

Concerns about the quality of baby formula in France have intensified after authorities launched two criminal investigations into the deaths of two infants who had consumed Nestle milk suspected of contamination. While there is no official conclusion confirming the milk as the direct cause of death, manufacturers are tightening control procedures to ensure safety.

Binh Minh (According to Reuters, Midi Libre)