French infant tests positive for toxin linked to formula recalls

A baby is seen in this stock image. (Pexels)

PARIS, France -- A French infant has tested positive for the toxin cereulide after consuming baby formula, the health ministry said Friday, following a contamination scare that sparked recalls in more than 60 countries.

This is the first case of a French infant testing positive for cereulide -- a toxin known to cause nausea and diarrhea -- following its initial detection in December in formula containing arachidonic acid oil.

• Infant formula recalled over toxin that causes nausea and vomiting

The deaths of three infants are suspected to be linked to the consumption of recalled infant formula in France where authorities have launched a probe.

While an initial stool test for the infant returned positive for the toxin cereulide, the health ministry warned that a direct causal link has yet to be established.

“This result confirms that the child in question was exposed to this toxin,” the ministry said, adding it “may explain the symptoms.”

The ministry stated that the child’s medical team and toxicology experts are working to determine the source of the contamination.

While officials have not released details about the patient, Radio France reported the infant spent one night in the hospital in February after consuming formula produced by the French dairy giant Danone

Eight infants in Belgium tested positive for the toxin this month, all of whom showed mild symptoms.

Manufacturers including European giants like Nestle, Danone and Lactalis, have recalled formula in more than 60 countries including several EU states since December.

The European Union on Wednesday also imposed tighter border controls on imports of a baby milk ingredient from China after it was singled out as the source of a major contamination scare.

The EU did not name any company but Chinese firm Cabio Biotech has come under scrutiny as the supplier of the ingredient suspected of being tainted.

Editor’s note: In a previous statement to CTVNews.ca, a spokesperson from Nestle said, “We are conducting a precautionary recall/withdrawal of specific infant nutrition products sold in a number of countries, but it does not impact Canada.”