The European Union has announced stricter import controls on a key ingredient used in infant food, following a contamination scandal linked to products distributed internationally.
Under a new decision published in the EU’s Official Journal, every second shipment of arachidonic acid oil imported from China will now be tested for the toxin cereulide, starting Thursday. The ingredient is commonly used in the production of baby formula and infant nutrition products.
According to the European Food Safety Authority, the toxin cereulide has been associated with recent global recalls of baby food products. The substance is produced by certain bacteria and can cause nausea, vomiting, and sudden stomach pain, typically appearing between 30 minutes and six hours after ingestion.
EU authorities determined that contamination cases were linked to arachidonic acid oil sourced from China, which had been used during the manufacturing process. Following a risk assessment, EFSA has now established, for the first time, a safety guideline for the maximum allowed level of cereulide in infant food products.
Earlier this year, major food companies Danone and Nestlé recalled several batches of baby food in Germany after concerns over possible contamination.
At the time, Nestlé stated that no illnesses or symptoms linked to the affected products had been confirmed, but the recalls were carried out as a precautionary measure.
The new EU controls are part of broader efforts to strengthen food safety standards, particularly for products intended for infants and young children, who are considered among the most vulnerable consumers.
