Third infant death reported in France amid baby formula recall

18:30

By: Sahili Aya

Third infant death reported in France amid baby formula recall

French health authorities have reported a third infant death linked to the consumption of baby formula affected by the recent wave of product recalls. As of February 11, 2026, three cases have been registered, though no scientific evidence has yet established a causal link between the deaths and the recalled products, the Ministry of Health stated.

“Three infant deaths have been reported to French health authorities in children who had reportedly consumed baby formulas affected by recalls,” the ministry announced on its website. “At this stage, no causal link has been scientifically established. Judicial investigations are ongoing for these cases.” In addition, 14 hospitalizations have been recorded among infants who may have consumed affected formulas, up from 11 previously, though no confirmed link has been identified.

The recall campaign began in mid-December after Nestlé withdrew dozens of batches of baby formula across about sixty countries due to the potential presence of cereulide, a toxin that can cause dangerous vomiting in infants. Following Nestlé’s recall, other manufacturers including Danone and Lactalis, as well as smaller producers, initiated similar withdrawals. In early February, European authorities lowered the permitted levels of cereulide, triggering another round of recalls.

A French health investigation is ongoing to determine whether the deaths can be directly attributed to the consumed formulas. Meanwhile, the NGO Foodwatch and several families have filed legal actions against both the government and manufacturers, alleging delays in recalls and public notifications. France remains the only European country reporting deaths after confirmed consumption of affected formulas, although other countries, such as the United Kingdom, have reported hospitalizations without confirmed causal links.