The brands Popote and Vitagermine (Babybio) announced on Monday the recall of batches of first-stage infant milk in France, due to the lowering announced by the Ministry of Agriculture of the threshold for the cereulide toxin responsible for recalls of boxes in more than 60 countries.
"Popote is immediately applying the new European framework and is recalling two batches of first-stage infant milk," the manufacturer said in a statement.
"This precautionary measure follows the decision by the French authorities to apply the enhanced safety threshold recommended by the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) concerning cereulide, which should be published later today," it was stated.
The Ministry of Agriculture announced on Friday evening that it would impose a stricter limit on all French manufacturers of infant milk for the cereulide toxin responsible for these recalls of boxes.
The European Commission has tasked its health agency (Efsa), which is due to issue an opinion on Monday on this toxin and the thresholds to be imposed.
Vitagermine also announced on Monday the recall of three batches of Babybio first stage infant milk, indicating that it had, over the weekend, "conducted investigations to ensure that all products comply with this new threshold. These investigations identified 3 batches of first stage infant milk – which were compliant with the standard in force until last week."
Both brands also specify that their other products are not affected.
Several manufacturers are blaming a Chinese ingredient supplier, Cabio Biotech, which produces an oil rich in omega-6. This oil is alleged to have been contaminated by Bacillus cereus bacteria, which can produce a toxin, cereulide, that can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
At this stage, two criminal investigations opened in France after the deaths of infants who consumed recalled Nestlé milk have not established a direct link between the symptoms and the milk consumed.
English 
French