Lactalis has recalled six batches of Picot infant milk after tests detected a potentially harmful bacterial substance, with products pulled from shelves in 18 countries. French authorities had been informed of the risk at least five days earlier, Radio France reported.
Issued on: 22/01/2026 - RFI
French dairy group Lactalis has announced the recall of several batches of Picot infant milk sold in France, with products also affected in other countries. AFP - DAMIEN MEYER
The company on Wednesday said the products may contain cereulide, a substance that can cause diarrhoea, vomiting and lethargy in babies. It said the recall was launched as a precaution after further testing on prepared bottles.
According to a Radio France investigation, the General Directorate for Food, which oversees food safety within the agriculture ministry, was aware from last Friday, 16 January, that Lactalis had received batches potentially contaminated with cereulide.
Initial tests carried out on finished products did not show levels considered problematic by the authorities, their report found.
Additional checks were later requested on prepared bottles, which revealed higher concentrations of the toxin after dilution, prompting the withdrawal from sale
Lactalis said the issue was linked to an international supplier which provides ARA, an ingredient used in some infant formulas, adding that Spain and countries in South America were notably affected.
In France, the recall covers Picot Nutrition Quotidienne first-age products in 400g, 800g and 850g containers, Picot Nutrition Quotidienne second-age products in 800g and 850g containers, and Picot AR second-age in an 800g container.
The products are sold in pharmacies and large retail stores.
The company on Wednesday said the products may contain cereulide, a substance that can cause diarrhoea, vomiting and lethargy in babies. It said the recall was launched as a precaution after further testing on prepared bottles.
According to a Radio France investigation, the General Directorate for Food, which oversees food safety within the agriculture ministry, was aware from last Friday, 16 January, that Lactalis had received batches potentially contaminated with cereulide.
Initial tests carried out on finished products did not show levels considered problematic by the authorities, their report found.
Additional checks were later requested on prepared bottles, which revealed higher concentrations of the toxin after dilution, prompting the withdrawal from sale
Lactalis said the issue was linked to an international supplier which provides ARA, an ingredient used in some infant formulas, adding that Spain and countries in South America were notably affected.
In France, the recall covers Picot Nutrition Quotidienne first-age products in 400g, 800g and 850g containers, Picot Nutrition Quotidienne second-age products in 800g and 850g containers, and Picot AR second-age in an 800g container.
The products are sold in pharmacies and large retail stores.
Prepared bottles tested
Lactalis said the recall followed an alert from the French Professional Association for Infant Nutrition, an industry body.
The group said initial tests carried out on the powdered products produced compliant results.
Further analysis carried out on reconstituted products, meaning prepared bottles, later revealed the presence of cereulide, the company said in a statement.
“We are fully aware that this information may cause concern among parents of young children,” Lactalis said.
“At this stage, no complaints or reports linked to the consumption of these products have been reported by the French authorities."
Lactalis said the recall followed an alert from the French Professional Association for Infant Nutrition, an industry body.
The group said initial tests carried out on the powdered products produced compliant results.
Further analysis carried out on reconstituted products, meaning prepared bottles, later revealed the presence of cereulide, the company said in a statement.
“We are fully aware that this information may cause concern among parents of young children,” Lactalis said.
“At this stage, no complaints or reports linked to the consumption of these products have been reported by the French authorities."
Recalls widening
The Lactalis recall comes as infant milk products have been recalled in several countries in recent weeks over potential cereulide contamination.
Nestlé recalled infant milk products earlier in January in several countries, including France, as a precaution.
The Swiss food group said the presence of cereulide had been confirmed in some of its products and said that other manufacturers could also be affected.
French health authorities have opened a judicial investigation in that case, including epidemiological and food safety inquiries, the Health Crisis Centre said.
The Lactalis recall comes as infant milk products have been recalled in several countries in recent weeks over potential cereulide contamination.
Nestlé recalled infant milk products earlier in January in several countries, including France, as a precaution.
The Swiss food group said the presence of cereulide had been confirmed in some of its products and said that other manufacturers could also be affected.
French health authorities have opened a judicial investigation in that case, including epidemiological and food safety inquiries, the Health Crisis Centre said.
French dairy giant Lactalis recalls baby formula in 18 countries due to toxin
French dairy maker Lactalis has recalled baby formula in 18 countries after it was discovered that some batches may contain a dangerous toxin. Since the start of this year, three of the world’s biggest dairy companies, including also Nestlé and Danone, have issued recalls on baby milk due to contamination scares.
Issued on: 22/01/2026 -
By: FRANCE 24
French dairy maker Lactalis has recalled baby formula in 18 countries after it was discovered that some batches may contain a dangerous toxin. Since the start of this year, three of the world’s biggest dairy companies, including also Nestlé and Danone, have issued recalls on baby milk due to contamination scares.
Issued on: 22/01/2026 -
By: FRANCE 24
French dairy giant Lactalis said on January 21, 2026, that it is recalling six batches of Picot brand infant milk due to the potential presence of cereulide, a bacterial substance that can cause diarrhea and vomiting. © Damien Meyer, AFP
French group Lactalis on Wednesday announced a worldwide recall of batches of infant formula over worries they contained a toxin. The countries concerned are: Australia, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Czech Republic, Ecuador, France, Georgia, Greece, Kuwait, Madagascar, Mexico, Monaco, Spain, Peru, Taiwan and Uzbekistan.
“Lactalis Nutrition Santé (LNS) is voluntarily recalling six batches of Picot brand infant milk, available in pharmacies and supermarkets, due to the presence of cereulide in an ingredient sourced from a supplier,” it said in a statement.
Cereulide, a substance of bacterial origin, may cause diarrhoea and vomiting, the statement said. Lactalis did not name the supplier behind the tainted ingredient. It published a list of six lot numbers, but stressed that all other batches were safe.
“We are fully aware that this information may cause concern among parents of young children,” it said. But French authorities had not signalled to them “any claim nor any report related to the consumption of these products”.
Third recall this year
The infant formula industry has been rocked by recalls in recent weeks.
Singapore authorities on Saturday recalled Dumex baby formula, a brand owned by French food giant Danone.
READ MORENestle recalls infant formula in several European countries
Danone said the authorities blocked just “a few pallets” of Dumex, indicating they were not yet on any store shelves.
The move comes after Nestlé also called back batches of infant milk in several European countries on January 6.
Nestlé France said it was carrying out a “preventive and voluntary recall” of certain batches of its Guigoz and Nidal infant formulas after new investigations showed the potential presence of cereulide.
French health authorities said Tuesday an investigation was underway after the death of a baby who had consumed milk from one of the batches recalled by Nestlé, though no link has been established between its consumption and the death at this stage.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP and Reuters)
French group Lactalis on Wednesday announced a worldwide recall of batches of infant formula over worries they contained a toxin. The countries concerned are: Australia, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Czech Republic, Ecuador, France, Georgia, Greece, Kuwait, Madagascar, Mexico, Monaco, Spain, Peru, Taiwan and Uzbekistan.
“Lactalis Nutrition Santé (LNS) is voluntarily recalling six batches of Picot brand infant milk, available in pharmacies and supermarkets, due to the presence of cereulide in an ingredient sourced from a supplier,” it said in a statement.
Cereulide, a substance of bacterial origin, may cause diarrhoea and vomiting, the statement said. Lactalis did not name the supplier behind the tainted ingredient. It published a list of six lot numbers, but stressed that all other batches were safe.
“We are fully aware that this information may cause concern among parents of young children,” it said. But French authorities had not signalled to them “any claim nor any report related to the consumption of these products”.
Third recall this year
The infant formula industry has been rocked by recalls in recent weeks.
Singapore authorities on Saturday recalled Dumex baby formula, a brand owned by French food giant Danone.
READ MORENestle recalls infant formula in several European countries
Danone said the authorities blocked just “a few pallets” of Dumex, indicating they were not yet on any store shelves.
The move comes after Nestlé also called back batches of infant milk in several European countries on January 6.
Nestlé France said it was carrying out a “preventive and voluntary recall” of certain batches of its Guigoz and Nidal infant formulas after new investigations showed the potential presence of cereulide.
French health authorities said Tuesday an investigation was underway after the death of a baby who had consumed milk from one of the batches recalled by Nestlé, though no link has been established between its consumption and the death at this stage.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP and Reuters)
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