Children’s Health Group Seeks Rights Defender Over Infant Formula Concerns

The ongoing controversy surrounding infant formula safety has escalated as the Association for Children’s Health (APS-Enfants) seeks the intervention of rights defender Claire Hédon. The group expressed grave concerns regarding recent recalls of contaminated infant milk formulas on February 6, 2026.

Infant Formula Scandal Revealed

Authorities recently announced new withdrawals of infant formulas due to contamination with cereulide toxin. This toxin is known to cause gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and vomiting. The association criticized the handling of safety thresholds by health authorities, which have seen a decrease in acceptable limits.

Call for Investigation

Quentin Guillemain, the president of APS-Enfants, emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation into potential lapses by health authorities and manufacturers. The association demands a focus on risk prevention, information dissemination to families, and management of health consequences relating to these products.

Recent Developments

• On February 6, 2026, Danone expanded its recall to include 119 batches of Gallia and Blédilait formulas.
• This response came after the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) updated its guidelines on acceptable cereulide levels.
• Other companies, such as Lactalis and Nestlé, have also announced recalls affecting numerous product lines.

“We find that formulas trusted by parents no longer meet safety standards,” Guillemain stated. The association insists that such system failures must not compromise the health of infants.

Transparency and Accountability

APS-Enfants is pushing for complete transparency regarding products that have included the arachidonic acid (ARA) sourced from Cabio Biotech. This Chinese company has been linked to the contamination issue affecting several food giants.

Among their stricter demands are:

• A zero-tolerance policy for toxin presence in infant products.
• Enhanced oversight of raw materials used in infant formulas.

The situation highlights the critical need for regulatory reforms to ensure the safety of infant nutritional products, according to the association’s statements.

The implications of this scandal extend beyond immediate health concerns, signaling a call to action for greater accountability within the food production industry.