France Investigates Infant Deaths Linked to Nestlé Formula, Finds No Toxins in One Case
Investigations are ongoing in France following the deaths of three infants potentially linked to contaminated Nestlé Guigoz infant formula. Although initial tests in one case near Bordeaux have revealed no presence of the cereulide toxin, investigations continue, and concerns remain regarding broader contamination issues.
Investigation in Bordeaux Finds No Link to Contamination
A judicial inquiry launched in Bordeaux after the death of a baby born on December 25, 2025, and who died on January 8, 2026, has not established a link between the infant’s death and the recalled Nestlé infant formula he consumed. Analyses of the formula ingested by the baby did not detect the cereulide toxin, according to Bordeaux prosecutor Renaud Gaudeul Reuters. Further analysis with a more sensitive detection threshold, conducted by a laboratory in Belgium, likewise failed to reveal the toxin.
The baby had been fed Guigoz brand formula (Nestlé) that was subject to a recall after concerns arose about potential Bacillus cereus contamination. The infant had experienced digestive problems before his death.
Second Investigation Ongoing in Angers
A separate investigation is underway in Angers following the death of a 27-day-old girl on December 23, 2025. The infant’s mother reported using a recalled Guigoz milk can, prompting authorities to investigate. However, prosecutors caution that it is too early to definitively link the formula to the death. The cereulide toxin was found in infant milk consumed by the infant who died in Angers, according to the city’s prosecutor’s office and the family’s lawyers, though a definitive link to the death has not yet been established France in English.
Widespread Recall and Criminal Investigations
The recalls, initiated in mid-December, affected dozens of batches of infant milk in approximately sixty countries due to the potential presence of cereulide, a toxin produced by Bacillus cereus bacteria. This toxin can cause severe digestive issues. Nestlé, Lactalis, and other manufacturers initiated recalls after identifying a contaminated ingredient from a Chinese supplier France in English.
Criminal investigations have been opened in both Bordeaux and Angers to determine the cause of the deaths and assess potential negligence.
Criticism and Legal Action
The handling of the contamination crisis has faced public criticism, with concerns raised about corporate transparency and the government’s response. Nestlé’s CEO apologized for delays in addressing the issue. Twenty-four families have filed a legal complaint against the French state and baby milk manufacturers for negligence RFI.
France currently lacks a national reference lab specifically dedicated to analyzing infant milk contamination, which has complicated the investigation process France in English.
Ongoing Concerns
While the investigation in Bordeaux has not found a link to the recalled formula, authorities continue to investigate the deaths and the broader contamination issue. The French health minister has sought to reassure consumers that all suspicious infant formula has been removed from the market France 24.