French prosecutors open probe as toxin confirmed in hospitalized baby

ISTANBUL

French prosecutors have opened investigations after health authorities confirmed on Friday the presence of cereulide toxin in a baby hospitalized following consumption of infant formula subject to recent recalls.

The Directorate General of Health (DGS) said it received a “first result of stool analysis positive for cereulide toxin,” marking the first confirmed detection of the toxin in a hospitalized infant in France, the French news broadcaster BFMTV reported.

Officials cautioned, however, that the finding does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between the product and the child’s condition.

The development comes amid a broader health scare linked to infant formula products recalled across France and other European countries.

On Feb. 11, French health authorities reported a third infant death potentially linked to baby formula. The Health Ministry’s crisis center said: “Three reports of infant deaths have been brought to the attention of French health authorities."

The cases involved children reported to have consumed infant formula subject to recalls.

Two infant deaths were previously reported on Dec. 23 and Jan. 8.

“To date, no causal link has been scientifically established. Judicial investigations are underway regarding these reports,” the health crisis center said at the time.

Since late 2025, several brands, including Nestlé and Danone, have launched voluntary recalls and product withdrawals in France and other countries over concerns about the possible presence of cereulide, a toxin produced by certain bacteria that can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms.

Authorities said investigations are ongoing to determine the source of contamination and assess potential health risks.