Toxin in baby formula: Luxembourg urgently inspects the market

The Luxembourg authorities have tightened controls on infant formula after cereulide toxin was detected in certain products on the European market. This was announced in a joint statement by the country's Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture.

According to a rapid risk assessment by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the likelihood of exposure to the contaminated mixture is currently considered low thanks to the prompt recall of suspicious batches.

In Luxembourg, 35 samples of dry milk formulas from all brands available on the market were tested. The toxin was detected in only one sample, which was immediately recalled.

The Health Inspectorate also investigated three cases of illness among infants. Two children were hospitalised with dehydration and made a full recovery. Clinical tests on all three children were negative. The formula consumed by one child contained a toxin, but the batch was already in the process of being recalled. As a result, no confirmed cases of illness related to infant formula have been identified in Luxembourg. The authorities emphasise that coordination at the European level made it possible to quickly ensure market safety and protect children's health.