Several dozen batches of infant milk are subject to a precautionary measure in France.
Nestlé France has announced a procedure concerning batches of infant milks from the Guigoz and Nidal brands, due to a risk of bacterial contamination linked to an ingredient supplied by an external partner. This measure extends that initiated on December 11 on Guigoz Optipro Relais 1st age milk. New investigations have led the group to extend it to around fifteen references, representing around fifty batches in total. This is a voluntary and preventative approach, and no cases of poisoning or illness have been confirmed at this stage, according to the manufacturer.
The analyzes revealed traces of cereulide, a substance of bacterial origin produced by the microorganism Bacillus cereus. This toxin can cause digestive problems, including diarrhea and vomiting. The contamination comes from a specific ingredient: an oil rich in arachidonic acid (ARA) used in certain infant nutrition formulations. Although the quantity detected is considered very low, the group indicates that it has chosen to apply the precautionary principle and extend this approach to several European countries. “In rare cases, severe reactions may occur” informs Nestlé.
The detailed list of affected products is made available by the manufacturer. All other Guigoz and Nidal brand products not mentioned can be used safely, specifies the group. The boxes concerned, on the other hand, must neither be consumed nor returned to the pharmacy. Consumers are invited to take a photo of the front of the product as well as the batch code, then send them to the dedicated consumer service in order to obtain a purchase voucher. Among the recalled products, batches of:
- GUIGOZ Digest+
- GUIGOZ EXPERT AR
- GUIGOZ GuigozGest
- GUIGOZ OPTIPRO
- GUIGOZ PELARGON
- NIDAL
- NIDAL Nidalgest
If an affected product is consumed, it is recommended to monitor the appearance of digestive symptoms in infants, such as diarrhea or vomiting. In the majority of cases, these symptoms appear quickly, between 30 minutes and 6 hours after exposure, with rapid recovery.
The group points out, however, that infants become dehydrated quickly: any repeated vomiting must lead to rapid medical evaluation, whatever the origin of the disorder. In the absence of symptoms, there is no need to worry about long-term health impact.
