Large-scale recall of infant formula

Since 6 January 2026, a total of 31 infant formula products of various brands have been recalled in Luxembourg due to a contaminated ingredient. The ingredient in question is an omega-6 fatty acid (oil rich in arachidonic acid, or ARA) contaminated with the toxin cereulide, produced by Bacillus cereus. This toxin can cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Symptoms generally appear between 30 minutes and six hours after consuming contaminated food.

Cereulide is stable at high temperatures and is not destroyed by cooking or boiling. The products concerned, which bear identified batch numbers, should therefore not be consumed under any circumstances. The Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA) invites consumers to consult the food safety portal, where information on recalled products and batches is updated regularly. Recalls are also published via the LU Alert mobile application or Lu-alert.lu website. People shopping abroad can follow recalls via the corresponding national systems.

European cooperation

In addition to Luxembourg, several other European countries have been affected by these recalls. According to the information available, it is likely that the same international producer supplied the contaminated ingredient to several manufacturers of infant formula via a limited number of European distributors.

To ensure an effective exchange of information, ALVA is in close contact with the European Commission, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the competent authorities of the other Member States. ALVA also works with the companies concerned to ensure that contaminated products are withdrawn quickly, via the European Rapid Alert System and the compulsory notifications made by Luxembourg companies.

Current health situation in Luxembourg

To date, the Luxembourg health authorities have not received any confirmation of infants becoming ill as a result of consuming the infant formula concerned. The Health Inspection Department of the National Health Directorate remains in contact with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) in order to monitor developments in the situation.

If symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek medical advice as soon as possible and to report any consumption of an affected product. Vomiting and diarrhoea can lead to rapid dehydration, which can be particularly dangerous for infants.

Supplementary measures

As a precautionary measure, ALVA has decided to launch a targeted inspection campaign to check for the possible presence of cereulide in other infant products.

For any questions relating to the reimbursement of a recalled product, consumers are invited to contact their point of sale directly.

For queries relating to affected babies, please contact the Health Inspection Department (tel: +352 247-85650; [email protected]).

Information on the affected milks can be found in the list of recalled products on the food safety portal. Further information on these products is available from ALVA (tel: 247 825 39; [email protected]).

Press release by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture and the Ministry of Health and Social Security