Danone recalls formula, as it and Nestlé imported contaminated Chinese oil

Danone has followed its competitor Nestlé in recalling infant formula after it transpired both companies imported a contaminated raw ingredient from China.

The affected Danone baby and follow-on formula was manufactured in Ireland, but not distributed in the country.

Therefore, the recall does not implicate Irish consumers directly at present, according to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI).

The FSAI announced the recall on Friday evening and confirmed both multinational companies imported ARA oil manufactured in China that was contaminated with cereulide.

The oil was used as an ingredient in base powder used to make infant formula and follow-on formula.

Cereulide is a toxin produced by some strains of the bacterium bacillus cereus, which can cause food poisoning.

Nestlé previously confirmed the formula it issued several recalls for was not made in Ireland, but had been distributed to the Irish retail market.

Multiple recalls were issued for the Nestlé formula because may have entered the Irish market through Northern Ireland and UK number of channels also.

Recall

The FSAI said the implicated products were manufactured in Ireland and exported to a number of EU countries, the UK and non-EU countries.

The FSAI has been notified by Danone that none of the implicated products have been distributed in Ireland.

The FSAI has notified the European Commission of this recall through its rapid alert system for food and feed to ensure that all affected countries are notified.