Switzerland warns of cereulide toxin in infant formula

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - Infant formula from several manufacturers in Switzerland is contaminated with cereulide toxin and should not be consumed, the Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office said Monday.

The office, known by its German acronym OSAV, said infant formula from different manufacturers was affected, including some products sold under the BEBA, Alfamino, Bimbosan, Aptamil, and Babybio brands.

“Due to the complexity of international supply chains, it is currently not completely excluded that other products will be affected,” OSAV said in a statement.

The agency said it is in close contact with those responsible for the European Union and World Health Organization early warning systems to quickly identify any additional contaminated products.

Authorities said several illness symptoms have been reported and that they are examining a possible link to the recalled products.

OSAV urged parents not to use any recalled products from Nestle, Hochdorf Swiss Nutrition, Rossmann, Danone, and Migros.

Cereulide is a toxin produced by certain bacteria and can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, the office said. Symptoms typically appear within five hours of consumption and usually last between six and 24 hours.

The toxin is highly heat-resistant and is not destroyed by cooking, OSAV warned.

Authorities are also assessing whether the cereulide contamination levels in the recalled products exceeded the European Food Safety Authority’s acute reference dose and therefore posed a danger.

“This issue is currently under investigation,” the office said.