A French baby tests positive for cereulide toxin linked to formula recalls, as EU tightens controls on a Chinese ingredient suspected as the source.
PARIS: A French infant has tested positive for the toxin cereulide after consuming baby formula.
This marks the first such case in France since the contamination was initially detected in December in formula containing arachidonic acid oil.
The health ministry confirmed the positive stool test result on Friday.
It warned, however, that a direct causal link between the toxin and the child’s illness has yet to be definitively established.
“This result confirms that the child in question was exposed to this toxin,” the ministry stated.
It added that the exposure “may explain the symptoms,” which include nausea and diarrhoea.
The child’s medical team and toxicology experts are now working to determine the exact source of the contamination.
While officials did not release patient details, Radio France reported the infant was hospitalised for one night in February.
The report stated the formula consumed was produced by French dairy giant Danone.
This case follows eight infants in Belgium who tested positive for the toxin this month, all showing mild symptoms.
Three infant deaths in France are also suspected to be linked to the consumption of recalled formula, prompting an official probe.
Major manufacturers including Nestle, Danone and Lactalis have recalled formula in over 60 countries since December.
The European Union imposed tighter border controls on imports of a baby milk ingredient from China on Wednesday.
The EU identified this ingredient as the source of the major contamination scare but did not name any company.
Chinese firm Cabio Biotech has come under scrutiny as the supplier of the suspected tainted ingredient.
